Child marriage is not only a problem in underdeveloped and developing nations but also in well developed nations like America.
In Virginia in the United States of America, girls as young as 12 can get married as the state’s law.
After heavy backlash from outsiders, now, efforts are being made by lawmakers to raise the minimum age to 16 years. In this regard, the Virginia General Assembly has recently voted and the bill will soon be sent to the Governor for approval.
In the state of Virginia, it is still legal for girls as young as 12 to be brought to a courthouse with evidence of pregnancy and marry. Many wonder, won’t be making a 12-year-old pregnant considered as rape?
Virginia is however not the only state in USA which has been allowing Child Marriages. Most states including Maryland and New York let 16-year-olds marry if their parents or court approves.
In the recent times, a 65-year-old man created sensation by marrying a 12-year-old girl.