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Richard Stallman's Political Notes

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Resistance to arranged marriages

dimanche 18 juillet 2021 à 02:00

Resistance to family pressure for arranged marriages is growing in India, but inexplicably it veers off target. Instead of defending the right to refuse marriage — which I would wholeheartedly support — this campaign calls teenage minors "children", then demands a prohibition on marriage for minors.

It's a side issue, but I disapprove of calling teenage minors "children".

As for whether minors should be allowed to marry, I am not sure. Perhaps people under 18 are not ready to make a lasting legal commitment, and should limit themselves to living together until they reach the age of 18. (In India, being part of an unmarried couple is more radical than remaining celibate.) On the other hand, people over 18 are often not ready for this either. Since I am not sure, I do not support raising the age requirement for marriage to 18.

I support Rajasthan Rising's campaigns for gratis education, and to save people from being pressured into marriage — whether they are under 18 or not.