A new law under the Victims and Prisoners Act has been enacted to prevent the most serious offenders, such as serial killer Levi Bellfield, from marrying or entering civil partnerships while in prison. This legislation aims to deny these criminals from enjoying life events they deprived their victims of, as stated by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Bellfield, serving two whole-life orders for multiple murders, had previously sought legal aid to marry, citing human rights laws, but his recent application for a civil partnership spurred the government to accelerate the law's enforcement. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this measure is to ensure victims are not further tormented. The law gives the Lord Chancellor the discretion to permit such ceremonies only in exceptional circumstances.