PR WEB -- Mar 13 -- Lobbyists for the big Internet dating mega-sites succeeded in persuading the proponents of the new mail order bride law, "International Marriage Broker Regulation Act" called IMBRA, to carve out an exemption for them over other smaller online international dating services. IMBRA went into effect this month. IMBRA was quietly inserted onto the back of the widely-applauded Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to help prevent domestic violence. It quickly passed the Congress, and was promptly signed by the President. It requires any U.S. mail order bride company, now called an "International Marriage Broker" or IMB for short, to first secure from any gentleman customer extensive background information such as criminal and domestic violence history. next, the law mandates that the IMB provide a copy of this to the foreign lady client in her native language. Last, the IMB must obtain a signed, written consent from the lady as to that specific man before her "personal contact information" is released and the couple can communicate. Penalties on the IMB; up to $25,000 civil fine and up to 5 years in federal prison. Federal court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order against enforcement of the IMBRA law for now on the IMB in that case. TRO, Commentary. RELEASE @ PR WEB

Mark Brooks: Small personals sites are relying on the big sites to lobby for them. Caution... Eventually a law might pass which more adversely effects smaller dating sites. Smaller sites should take more of an active role in lobbying against hindering/unfair legislation. www.ideaoasis.org could be a nice entity to assist in that coordinated voice. Your comments please...