Why is still allowed in many states for minors to marry with parental, guardian, or judicial permission?
Only a few states have completely banned child marriage ( I.e. marriage before the age of 18) where are our progressive values?
31-35, F
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
The reality is that the age of maturity is not universally the same. As one post states, scientists say most brains are not mature until age 25. Another post brings back an argument from the military draft days of the 60's -- you can die for your country at 18 -- which was used to reduce voting age from 21 to 18. Now there is no real military draft, but you can vote at 18.
I would not recommend marriage under 18. I would not recommend marriage in the early 20's. Otoh, I have a niece who got married at 16 with her parents' permission. I thought it was a tragic mistake and wouldn't last. She is in her 50's now, married to the same guy, built a great life for them and their two children. It was her route out of what was a dysfunctional family; she chose well, and her parents' permission may have been the only gift they ever gave to any of their children, imho. Hard-fast, one-size fits all, laws cannot anticipate every situation. Having opt out provisions for the exceptions makes sense.
I would not recommend marriage under 18. I would not recommend marriage in the early 20's. Otoh, I have a niece who got married at 16 with her parents' permission. I thought it was a tragic mistake and wouldn't last. She is in her 50's now, married to the same guy, built a great life for them and their two children. It was her route out of what was a dysfunctional family; she chose well, and her parents' permission may have been the only gift they ever gave to any of their children, imho. Hard-fast, one-size fits all, laws cannot anticipate every situation. Having opt out provisions for the exceptions makes sense.