It comes after prominent Imam Ibrahim Omerdic faced court this month charged with "conduct that caused a minor to enter into a forced marriage" last year.
Speaking to SBS Bosnian, Imam Jasmin Bekric says he's never heard of a similar case of forced marriage in the community, and all Imams are trained in the legal requirements.
"I have never heard of any similar cases," says Bekric.
"we are obligated to attend a yearly OPD program (Ongoing Professional Development), whereby all marriage celebrants are informed about all current marriage laws and duties, regulated by the Australian government.
He explains, "So I always suggest to all my colleagues to go through all these rules, in detailed manner and scrutiny."
Imam Ibrahim Omerdic, leader of a Noble Park Masjid (mosque), appeared in a Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday 13th January appeared before the court via video link along with 34-year-old Springvale man Mohammad Shakir who was also charged with sexually penetrating a child under 16.
Omerdic was released on bail while the other man has been remanded in custody.
Mr Bekric says once the news broke, he took immediate action and suspended Imam Omerdic, on the recommendation of the Bosnian’s Imams’ Board (Riyaset) in Sarajevo - the religion’s highest administrative body.
“If there is a State court investigation against an imam, he will be suspended while the process is taking a place," says Bekric.
"If the court finds that imam is innocent, then he will be returned back to work. If a court states the contrary, it is known what to do.”
Imam Bekric says all imams are registered by the Attorney General’s department in Canberra and have a special responsibility.
“As marriage celebrants, imams are also recognised with a responsibility as are the people working for the general department in Canberra," says Bekric.
"Our license is binding as with this government department. Before any marriage takes place, we have to request and collect all relevant ID documents from the couple, as required by Australian law.”
"When Muslim people come to a country where marriage is allowed to individuals only above 18 years age, then Sharia law is overridden"
Imam Bekric says the communities’ religious schools teaching about marriage emphasizes the right to choose a marriage partner.
“Some Islamic countries however allow underage marriage," says Bekric. "Yet, the moment when Muslim people come to a country where marriage is allowed to individuals only above 18 years age, then Sharia law is overridden, because we have to abide the law of that country."
"All imams must stand for the Marriage Act, established in 1961."
He says the Bosnian community in Australia opposes any case of forced or underage marriage, they believe and support in Australian justice and hope that the Melbourne Magistrates Court will fully investigate the case and act accordingly.
