Capitol Ideas

By Jo

February 24, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

NO, teen marriage is NEVER ok. From what I see, teens lack the maturity to even date, butthat’s another story. And deciding to wed just to give a baby a name does not make for a stable marriage. The girl should get an abortion & move on with her life, not ruin it!

By KABA

February 24, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

No, teens should not be allowed to marry simply because the girl or woman is pregnant. Especially in the case where the sexual contact is between an adult and the minor, which is a crime. By allowing a marriage, you just excuse the crime.

Marriage is a contract, and teens, while they are allowed to contract to buy things, they are not bound by the contract because society says they don’t have the maturity to understand all of the ramifications of contracting, and may be taken advantage of. In this situation the 37 year old woman appears to have preyed unlawfully on a minor, and certainly taken advantage of the minor’s immaturity and poor judgment. This marriage should be unlawful, and she should go to prison for the sixty years, not the plea deal/slap on the wrist that I heard has been offered to her.

By Leslie

February 24, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute! “The girl should get an abortion and move on with her life, not ruin it”?

I have news for you. That may be fine for some young ladies, but it is NOT for others. Abortion is not necessarily an easy fix that a woman can walk away from unscathed. For some it may be, but for others abortion is not the appropriate answer.

Sometimes adoption is the answer. Sometimes keeping the child is the answer. There are no hard and fast rules as to what is “best” in every situation.

I gave birth to my son 4 days after my 18th birthday. That was over 16 years ago. I kept my son. While it was tough, it was WORTH IT. My son and I grew up together, he is a successful young man, a sophomore in H.S. who works, is respectful and I am very proud of him. I am a sophomore in COLLEGE. I work. I am not on welfare, food stamps and am not a social drain.

Why do you feel you have the answers? I feel my son was a gift and helped me become the woman I am today. He was not harmed. I was not harmed. Through the love and support of family and friends we made it through the really hard years and are both better for it.

Not everyone takes the same life path.

By E. Lewis

February 24, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Teen marriage is never okay. Marriage is supposed to be a union of two people who vow to be together through thick and thin. What’s the difference between teens who get married because of a pregnancy and divorce in a very short time and teens who decide they are going to make the best of the situation and not marry because while they were physically able to create a child, they aren’t ready to sustain a marriage?

Take it from a math major, two wrongs don’t make a right.

By KG

February 24, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Why is teen marriage never ok? While the majority of teen marriages fail, there are some that turn out fine. Marriages between adults fail as well, but that does not keep them from happening.

I was a teenage mother and my husband was a teen father. We have a happy marriage and are successful, college-educated, contributing members of society.

What is not okay is trying to cover up one mistake by creating another, i.e., abortion.

If we allow teens to have sex,create babies, have jobs, have abortions and simulate all of the activities of an adult, then marriage should be no different.

Everyone has to be held accountable for their actions (the boy, the girl). Young men do not bear the burden of the shame. Young men should be made to take on the responsibilities of the child and the woman that had the child. And the joke that society calls “child support” is simply not enough.

By E. Lewis

February 24, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

There is a big difference between a 15 year old involve in a pregnancy, who should still be in school, can’t vote and has never held a full time job getting married and a 19 year old who is a legal adult deciding to wed.

By KABA

February 24, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

I think marriage between older teens, 18 and 19 is natural and to be expected. But for teens younger than 18, most do not have the maturity and judgment needed to enter into marriage. And certainly for teens younger than 16, well they are really just kids and I don’t see the sense in anyone giving them permission to marry, even if there is a pregnancy. I am not advocating abortion. Adoption is the best route, because there are plenty of childless couples wanting to adopt.

By J.T.

February 24, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Teens should be allowed to marry under specific conditions:

• if their last names are Capulett and Montague
• if they’s momma and daddy is cousins and they just caint bare to be apart from each t’other in diff’nt classes in junior high (they should be provided a state funded used single wide trailer too)
• if their last names are Hatfield and McCoy
• if both of them are sterile and/or the people of this state or this country will NEVER be responsible for paying them a dime in welfare, food stamps, or any other type of government assistance. The onus should be on the parents of the teens, not the people of this state or this country to support and pay for poor parenting.

By tamara

February 24, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

My answer is NO and I was a 15 yr. old bride. My mother signed the papers because she knew I would not stay in the same house with a step father that I hated. They married when I was 3 but we never bonded and in my teen years it was constant critisim and degrading. My easy way out; marry my boyfriend of 19. Although we made it 20 years, other than having my children with the man, I never was truly married in my heart. It was a fantasy land that I was all grown up and ready to take life on, which I did. Got pregnant at 16, built a house at 17 and lived most of my youth in misery. Now my daughter is 14 and when I look back I realize how stupid I really was. She is having the time of her life being young and I would have gave anything to have had that.

By KG

February 24, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

When we simulate the activities of adults, we should be prepared to face all of the challenges that come with that.

I agree that there is a big difference between a 15yr old and 19yr old.

I did not say teen marriage would be EASY, it is far from that. And I did not say that it is the answer to each teenage pregnancy. But what I did say is, everyone has to be held accountable for their actions. Sometimes this means taking the hard road.

Teens should be carefree. They should be enjoying school. They should be looking forward to all of the wonderful things that life has to offer.

But all of this means, staying in the place of a child. One thing that I teach my children is to enjoy childhood, because once you cross the path into having responsibilities, childhood cannot be recaptured.

By Makina

February 24, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

I am 17 years old so I feel that I can comment on this subject from the heart. I feel that teens should not be able to marry so young if it is because of a child, because then you are marrying for the wrong reasons and the marriage will become a disater. Then if you decide to keep the child the child will realize that he or she was a mistake and that mommy and daddy really don’t love each other and will not recognize what real love is. Every child is a blessing from God whether it was a mistake or not so that ABORTION CRAP is not the answer. Do not punish the unborn for your actions. BE MORE RESPONSIBLE NEXT TIME.

By Jim

February 24, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

How did the law ever get passed in the first place to allow for a teen-ager to marry at that age and then have the spouse be charged with child molestation? I mean come on. By arresting her and making her out to be the villan, that stupid legislative confederay of elected dunces under the gold dome shifted the blame to her to try to make themselves not look as stupid and ridiculous as they are. Sorry dunces, you got caught, you’re a bunch of idiots, any and all of you who voted to pass that bill whenever it was passed. They should leave her alone and take the heat for there failed miserable laws and actions.

By GInger

February 24, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute folks,don’t y’all remember when it was normal for kids 15-16 to be treated as adults and married? My grandparents were that young, and stayed married for 65 years. I have been married since I was 17 and am now in my mid 30’s. It all depends on the people involved. My 17 yr old would be mature enough to marry and have children. My 14 yr old, however, probably will never be that mature. Marriage takes work and commitment, and granted, there are not many teens that can hack it. There are some, however. We can not make a blanket statement about it never being or always being ok.

By Kristin

February 24, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Marrying for the sake of giving a child a name is not reason enough to sustain a long healthy marriage. I agree that it is possible for someone who is a mature 19 year old to enter into a healthy marriage. A 15 year old however, I feel lacks maturity to make those decisions. The fact that they are not willing to wait until they finish school illustrates their immaturity. And Abortion is a viable option for many young ladies. The inability to effectively use a reliable form of birth control leaves me wondering just how prepared some are for raising a child in the United States in the 21st century. (You know saving for a college education, not relying on a sports scholarship)

By Eloren

February 24, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Selective law enforcement is unfair. Since the loophole existed, they should let Clark go. The loophole should be closed so it doesn’t get abused again. But keeping her away from her baby is probably not good for either of them. Keep her on probation and under the eye of the state? Yes. Let the marriage stand? No good thoughts on that. Both of the participants in this “marriage” have exhibited a startling lack of good sense, but that’s been a human trait for as long as there have been humans.

By myopinion

February 24, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Jim. You can pass some stupid law, someone uses it to their advantage, you arrest them and then pass another law to cover it up. That is so a$$ backwards. If it wasn’t illegal at the time she did it then you can’t arrest her to save face. Maybe this will teach you not to pass stupid hick laws without putting any real thought into it.

By E. Lewis

February 24, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

The marriage isn’t what’s illegal. It’s the sex with a 13/14 year old before the marriage which qualifies as statatory rape. The last time I checked that was still a crime and for that she deserves to be prosecuted.

By g8trh8tr

February 24, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Generally speaking, teen marriage is not a good thing. Most of the time, they do not last. But anyone who says teen marriage is NEVER ok, is just plain WRONG!! My mother got pregnant with me when she was 17. My dad was 18. They decided to get married, but before they did, my grandfather talked to my mother and made it clear to her that she did not HAVE to get married. He made it clear to her that whether she got married or not, she would still have the love and support of her family. Well she married my dad 6 days before her 18th birthday. It’s been almost 33 years, and they’re still happily married. Sometimes teen marriage IS ok.

By g8trh8tr

February 24, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

Jim and myopinion,

The issue with her arrest has nothing to do with the marriage itself. She was pregnant when they got married. She was arrested for having sex with a 15 year old, not for marrying one. Now as for what happens to her, I don’t think putting her in prison and keeping her away from the baby is the answer. I seriously doubt she forced anything on the boy. I still remember what it’s like to be a 15 year old boy. I can assure you, he was more than happy to do the deed. Put her on probation, and keep tabs on her, but give her an opportunity to be a mother to the baby. I’m not sure what should be done about the marriage. I personally feel that it should be anulled, but the fact is that at the time, they were within the law to get married. And the young man also should be able to be involved in the baby’s life if he so chooses. It’s definitely a sticky situation.

By myopinion

February 24, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this

Ok. E. Lewis so your saying she should be prosecuted for the having sex with the 15 year old, even thought there was a law that said that she could marry him after the fact which is what she did. That makes no sense. Yes this old woman should not have slept with this teenager, but now she’s married to him, so she should go to jail for raping her husband? That’s basically what that LAW allowed her to do. Doesn’t that sound a little stupid and backwards to you?

By myopinion

February 24, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

This boy’s family is mad which they should be and the politicians are embarassed cause their morons but the fact is, what’s done is done. she slept with him (illegal) she married him (legal) and now you need to leave them alone and let her clean up her own mess. putting her in jail and keeping him away from her and the baby isn’t gonna solve anything. They will find a way to be together just like that teacher and that 12 year old. She did the time and years later they have more kids and their married. The law can only do so much. so stop wasting our tax dollars on prosecuted this woman for using your loop hole and go catch a real criminal.

By Paula

February 24, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Our demagogues/legislators have already inserted themselves into the minutiae of our daily lives. What’s next? A total ban on human sexuality? I say it’s long since past that the legislators butt out of our personal lives and stick to things for which they were elected, like paving the roads for instance.

By MissHeavenSong

February 24, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Teen marriage will never be ok in my book, just because a 13-15 year old boy knows how do something else with his “bo-bo” beside pee with it, is not a reason to get married. What would a 37 yr old woman want with a 15 yr old boy…..

By JuceeM

February 24, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this

@KG you say you were a “teen mom” so how old were you when you got married?

By CT

February 24, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Let us not forget that marriage is and has always been a Biblical principle first. Couples typically got married at a younger age in biblical times therefore I have no problem with it for two people, even teens, who are adequately prepared and counseled. As for the pregnancy issue, that should be a completely seperate discussion as one has NOTHING to do with the other. A baby conceived within or outside the confines of matrimony does not a successful marriage make. The writer who described marriage as a contract should seek counseling immediately.

By RxDawg

February 24, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding!? Teens should be able to marry whenever they want to. It wasn’t that long ago that people used to get married when they were 13. I dont think law has any place in the matter and there are too many people siting on their religous high chair tryin to delegate other people’s actions.

By E. Lewis

February 24, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

myopinion_I never said that the law that says a 15 year can get married and the law that says a 13 or 14 year old can’t legally consent to sex with a 35 year old made sense together, but if it’s statutory rape, then it is statutory rape whether or not they were married at the time of the arrest and she should be prosecuted.

By From a mom's perspective

February 24, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

Teenage pregnancy in itself is a very stressful time….why add a marriage to that? Which will probably end in divorce anyway??? (see the stats)……. If a teen does become pregnant, (teach birth control parents!!!) let’s look at the situation, how we can help mother and father (help them finish school and college! )and take one step at a time…compounding the situation w/ a marriage is a HUGE mistake!!!

By Jim

February 24, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

OK, young male at 15 has chance to make it with good looking 35 year old woman or live with carzy grandmother….do the math.

By Renee

February 24, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

To g8trh8tr

I agree that the 15 yr old was likely more than willing, but as the parent of a 15 yr old boy, I would definitely hold a 37-yr-old woman responsible for enticing him.

Has her head been examined? She did not consider her best friend’s feelings (mother of the 15 yr old); she did not consider how a teen could support a child, many teens can’t fully support themselves (understandably); she did not consider the baby; she did not consider child molestation laws.

By Ron

February 24, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

First of all, this marriage law has been in the GA statutes for decades and none of the current GA assembly were present when it passed, so blaming the current assembly for the law is bogus.

If this were a 35-year-old man with a 15-year-old girl, then views in this matter would probably be different. She is being charged with raping a 15 year old, not for having sex with her husband. He wasn’t her husband at the time she raped him. Had the GA statute not existed that allowed them to get married (after the rape,) this would be a different discussion.

I do have to wonder what type of person, who commits rape on a 15 year old, would make for a good parent? I am not convinced this is a good example for either child.

By Keri

March 6, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

i think that the parents at 15-17 know whats best for their children… but they should decide weather they keep it or give the baby up for adoption becuase no parent should make that descion for their own child that what if your mother for father did it to you… No marrage at any age, 15-17 is wrong. unless there are and can be proven for an unfit family, or anything like that.

By Voiceofpurereasonhimselfinthefleshforaseason

March 8, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

The messed up thing about u.s. law is that you can “marry” (look up the definition) someone of the same sex. you can legally have sex with someone between the ages of 16 and 18 (the law was passed last year, look it up) And if you get a minor pregnant, you can marry them without parental consent. you can have an abortion if you are a minor. However, if you want to get married? Sorry. Thats against the law. If a person who is 17 wants to marry an adult and is willing to go through the petition process and a judge finds that minor to be acceptably mature, then permission from the judge should be granted. If not they will have to wait. Life isn’t fair.

By WAR EAGLE!

March 8, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Leslie and Makina-Cut it with your Religious BS! A fetus is not a child until it has a BIRTH CERTIFICATE!You do not get a social security number for a fetus. Parents make decisions for their kids every day. These adoption homes are not always the answer-thousands of kids are there and they make it less expensive to adopt overseas. Unless you can FINANCIALLY support a child and you are mentally stabile, you have no business having a kid or having unprotected sex for that matter. People are sick and tired of government using OUR tax dollars and spending it on welfare projects whenit should be used to create jobs-entice businesses to come to GA. Think about this-if you outlaw abortion-the rapists will have a field day!

By holly

March 23, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

i think even if the person is a minor and if she/he wonts to be with a adult they sould be toghther if they think about it carefuly.and if they wont to live with one another for the rest of there life just let them without bringing in the f-ing court system this is a free country and let people do something with there life i dont see the goverment paying are bills and takeing care of are childen . it depents on the case

By SenCit

March 23, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Holly, bless your heart. Did they let you use the computer during your recess time?

By holly

March 24, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

SenCit For your info I don’t have recess I’m in High School Thats really rude when you don’t know the person.

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March 24, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Well, Holly, go back and read what you wrote and you will see how easily I mistook you for a little kid.

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i know my teacher is getting mad at me for it thank you for ponit it out

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