There are many well-known countries in the world that allow child marriage: Tanzania, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Yamen, and Malawi. However, the fact that New York, United States, allows child marriage is covered in veil.
What is more shocking is that New York law says that children aged 14 or older can marry as long as they have permission from their parents and a judge.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 3850 children under 18 were married in New York between 2000 and 2010.
But why is child marriage so bad? Married children have high possibility of dropping out the school and be uneducated. When married girls become pregnant, they might take some serious risks of health and domestic violences. Married girls might often live in unhappy marriage.
During past few years, Virginia has changed its child marriage law. Not only Virginia, but New Jersey and Maryland are also fighting for the better and improved law. Now, it is time for New York to change its child marriage law.
REFERENCES
Barr, Heather. “A Key Step Toward Ending Child Marriage in New York.” Human Rights Watch, 01 Mar. 2017. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
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