and traditional systems impacting on marriage that exist side by side with statutory laws in most countries in the SADC Region. 2.0 RELATED LAWS There are pieces of legislation in Member States that may have a direct external relationship with a law on eradicating child marriage that will need to be cross-referenced effectively in the Bill when drafting the national law. There may also be need to pass consequential amendments to existing laws to ensure consistency and harmony of the law. This will prevent ambiguity of the law and assist in the holistic and correct interpretation of the law. The following are some of the laws (cited by subject matter) that may impact on a law to eradicate child marriage:  laws on sexual offences;  laws relating to gender equity and equality;  laws relating to anti- gender based violence;  penal laws;  anti trafficking laws  child justice laws;  marriage laws;  adoption laws;  legitimacy laws;  citizenship laws;  laws on refugees;  maintenance and affiliation laws;  termination of pregnancy laws;  education laws;  health laws;  empowerment laws; and  labour laws. The Constitutions of Member States also need to be taken into account when considering the content of national laws as the ultra/intra-vires rule will apply. The Bill of Rights and exercise of legislative power through the making of subsidiary legislation to operationalise the law must seriously be considered by Member States and the legislative drafter. Page 5 of 78