I'm surfing the net today, and ran across an article on Yahoo about legislation in Arkansas possibly having an emergency session regarding the marriage bill, which states that a minor can marry with parental consent if under the age of 18 if pregnant and with parental consent. Well, apparently there's a big screwup because the verbiage reads "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage." Well, this makes sense to me, but apparently the verbiage is too risky, as their thoughts are that this will allow anyone regardless of age (even as young as 10) to get married as long as the parent's sign off on it. They feel that this will allow pedophiles to drive to the state and marry children as long as the parent's agree and that people that would sell their kids for the right price (ie;drug addicts, sickos, low-life's, etc).
This is the photo caption that preceded the article. I only read it because it seemed so ridiculous, but as I read the article I began to understand why this was a real problem to them. There are some crazy people out there in the world! We have to follow the letter of the law. And even though the law is written to protect us, some people use it to their advantage to get over on the system. So now they've got to go to a special session to try to correct their mistake. However, they are getting some push back because the law states that they can only correct a bill if there was a typographical error, and clearly there was not.
I was also shocked at the fact that some states are no longer requiring blood tests in order to obtain a marriage license. Though this may make the process quicker, it comes with some scrutiny. For instance, with the huge increase of HIV/AIDS and other STDs running rapid in our country (and across the globe), you'd think that blood tests would be a major advantage to the institute of marriage and family, but obviously all governments do not feel the same way. Not only would a blood test screen for disease, but it would also catch similarities in DNA, thus allowing foreknowledge of couples potentially being related (for example, individuals who have been adopted do not necessarily know who their true blood relatives are).
In addition to that, many states no longer require a waiting period for marriage. You can obtain your marriage license and get married the very same day! Even in swimming, there's a suggested two hour wait to get into the pool after eating. But I suppose the institutes that regulate marriages don't feel that marrying too soon could lead to disaster. They must not be reading the same divorce rate statistics that I've been reading.
They've made it so convient. You can just wake up one day, say "hey, let's get married", and go get hitched just as quick as you'd pull up to a fast food restaurant drive thru and get a value meal. And that's what American's want. They want it fast and easy with no thought process. No longer is Vegas the only "quickie" place.
And what about counseling. You could clearly be out of your mind, high on crack, quite unstable, or being forced to go against your will-but you can walk in and obtain a marriage license, leading to the "I do" which will ultimately change your life forever more. And what I want to know is what the rush is. Why has the marriage process been reduced to a time saver? Something so legally bound should have some stipulations, don't you think?
I'm trying to be objective here, and in a way playing 'Devil's advocate'. Honestly, the convenience of the new marriage process is in fact very satisfying for some people personally. For instance, a couple could get their marriage license on their lunch break, and if they don't already have a wedding scheduled, it's possible to get married right then and there! Let's hope they know they are right for each other. What about those that aren't so sure?
Now it’s Q&A Time.
Here are the questions:
1- What state are you from and what's the marriage law there?
2- What do you think about states that don't require blood tests? Is it necessary?
3- Do you think states should have stricter marriage laws?
4- In the case of the Arkansas bill, do you think there will be many ridiculously under-age marriages there?
5- Any additional comments?
There’s the Q, now give me the A! What are your answers?
Copyright ©2007 Attica Lundy
1 comment:
I am from Chicago, Illinois, and here, you can apply for your marraige license one day and get married the next day. There is no blood test required here either. I was surprised to find out...but I don't think its necessarily a bad thing.
I think I have mixed feelings about the blood test, only because I think if a couple is getting married, it should be up to them to get the appropriate testing, if they choose to do so. But you're right, by it being so easy, and with STDs spreading so fast its a little scary.
BUT...so many people are having sex outside of wedlock, I don't know that the testing would lower that rate. I don't think the laws should be stricter, as long as the parties are over the age of 18...I think at that point its a personal decision and not a state matter.
Regarding the Arkansas bill...I don't know. I would hope not, but stranger things have happened. I think there should be a clause that would prevent such nonsense...we can't let innocent children fall through the loopholes of bad wording in a law. But then look at the Jena 6...something totally different but ridiculous all the same.
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