"What in the world? Does this man even care about his daughter? The poor thing!"
Then I read this...
All those involved in the case are from the western Mexican state of Oaxaca, the police chief said. In the Oaxacan community, such an agreement is "normal and honorable," he said. "In California, it's against the law."
In Oaxacan culture, the food and beverages are provided by a prospective bridegroom for the wedding, Grebmeier said.
Authorities believe the young girl went with Galindo willingly, and no coercion was involved, he said. However, the girl is four years younger than California's age of consent, although the law does allow 16-year-olds to marry with parental consent.
First I think it is mighty standup of the Police Chief in this situation to explain that the father is not a Monster. The Father is acting according to his culture, and the daughter went willingly. However, as the chief points out... it is against the law here in the states.
I'm just happy to see that not only was justice served according to our laws, but that the Police Chief was outwardly stating that this type of arrangement was noble in the suspects culture so as inform the public that, although illegal, and to most of us suprising, the act was done in the spirit of honor.
www.cnn.com
(visit the link for the full news article)
