Married at 8

I really try not to judge other cultures. I’m sure there are things within our culture that others may disagree with.

Still, I can’t understand why some cultures condone child marriages.

I just read an article where an 8 year-old girl in Saudi Arabia was denied an annulment to end her marriage to her 47 year-old husband. Apparently, the father of the little girl arranged this marriage to his close friend to settle his debts.

The mother of the child was the one who was trying to get the marriage annulled. But, it turns out that she is not her daughter’s legal guardian. Thus, the judge ruled against her motion. She and the father have separated.

One thing the judge did do was make the husband pledge not to consummate the marriage until the girl reaches puberty. He also ruled that the girl could file for an annulment once she reaches puberty.

In truth though, how would the judge know if the husband did have sex with the girl?

I find it disturbing that the judge would even have to ask for this pledge. What type of man would even consider sleeping with an 8-year old?

That is just absolutely disgusting.

And as for the father, I just can’t fathom how he could resort to giving away his daughter to settle his debts.

I can understand being poor. But, me, I would have to find another way – even if it meant being the man’s personal slave. The girl had nothing to do with accumulating his debt. Yet, she has to pay the ultimate price.

The real tragedy about this case is that it is not an isolated case.

The Human Rights Commission reports that they are presented cases like this in Saudi Arabia once every four or five months.

That’s unreal.

The Wizard has spoken.