USA: Stop Allowing Children to Get Married!
- by: Ann W
- recipient: Tom Lantos, Human Right Commission; United States Congress
It's not uncommon to hear tragic stories of little girls being forced into marriage in countries all over the world - but what is rarely talked about is that it also happens in the United States!
The Miami Herald recently reported that more than 248,000 children, mostly girls, some as young as 12, were married in the United States between the years 2000 and 2010. The article added that the number is likely much higher as the needed data wasn't readily available.
No child under the age of 18 should be allowed to marry under any circumstances. Research proves it can have devastating long term psychological, physical and economic effects.
Some states are currently considering legislation abolishing the practice, but there's also the option of taking it to the Federal level and petitioning the Congressional Committee for Human Rights to introduce legislation banning the practice.
Please sign and share this vital petition!
To: Tom Lantos, Human Rights Commission, United States Congress
Dear Mr. Lantos,
We (the undersigned) are asking that your committee introduce legistlation to ban the marriages of underage American children. Several states are considering such legislatation, while others have tried and failed.
Research proves that such marriages often lead to abuse, economic hardship and a lifetime of poverty.
Forced, underage marriage is not limited to other parts of the world, it has been happening for decades in the USA.
Please consider addressing this issue as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
