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A Saudi judge has refused for a second time to annul a marriage between an 8-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man...
The girl's father, according to the attorney, arranged the marriage in order to settle his debts with the man, who is "a close friend" of his. At the time of the initial verdict, the judge required the girl's husband to sign a pledge that he would not have sex with her until she reaches puberty. The judge ruled that when the girl reaches puberty, she will have the right to request a divorce by filing a petition with the court.
Originally posted by ravenshadow13
Some of the replies here are a tad... um... hasty? I agree with Byrd.
Here in America basically you can get married at any age with the consent of a parent. In many countries, girls getting married at young ages such as 8, 10, 12 is common practice for religious and cultural reasons. If your parents and you consent to your getting married at a young age like that, you can get married at say, age 8. In many countries, that's how it works. Here in America, it wouldn't be that complicated because when you get married, you are automatically granted many of the rights that adults have. That includes the right to consent to sex.
It's really not pedophilia. I mean, it is, but if they're married it's a little strange for our culture but very normal for many others. The youngest recorded mother was five years old. Once your body is ready and you get married, the idea basically is that you're ready, too.
[edit on 4/12/2009 by ravenshadow13]