Taylor Westlake
May 1, 2009
8 am
An 8 year old girl in Saudi was finally granted by the courts a divorce from her husband who is 47 years old. After the divorce was denied twice before finally the courts in the city of Onazia on Thursday. The reason why this time was a success was because of all the pleas that were made. Many human rights acts were against this and they showed that they were, and also the U.S. had something to say about this and they all have ever since this leaked out into the news and became public in December. The marriage between the two was arranged by the girls father to one of his close friends to settle a debt that he had. When the girl's mother had first gone to the courts to have the marriaged annulled they would not allow it because they said that her mother was not her legal guardian because the girl's mother and father were seperated, so the mother did not have a say in it. They still do not know if child marriages all through out Saudi will be abolished. All the concerns that they have were and have been voiced, they are all just waiting to here back on whether or not it is going to happen.
This is a follow up on a story that I had blogged about before and I'm happy to hear that this girl was able to have a divorce happen. I just still think that it is sad that they have yet to abolish child marriages. So many people have voiced there opinions about this and yet the law has not yet been based. But thankfully for this young girl she can now lead a normal childhood. To me it's sad that her father was the one who arranged the marriage just to settle some type of debt, you just don't do that, no matter what debt you have to pay off. I can't wait to see what happens, and to see when they pass this law that they are trying to get through.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/04/30/saudi.child/index.html
6 comments:
It is interesting to see how different countries are now starting to realize that these arranged marriages between adults and children may not always be the best thing for the child. I am proud this mother stood up for her child and am happy everything worked out
I am very glad to hear that this marriage was anulled. Child marriages have no place in the modern world. It is a very outdated tradition, and the father should have vauled his daughter's childhood more.
this is so sad that so many young girls have to go through that but it is wonderful that she was able to stand strong and be able to do what she believed was right for her.
This is definitely a good thing that the people finally allowed this 8 year old child from this sick man. With this child getting a divorce, it should help bring more equal rights to Saudi.
I have heard of arranged marriages between adults males and young girls but 8 years old? That is truly sick! I am glad that she is able to get the marriage annulled but I'm sure she will never forget the things that went on during that marriage.
The only reason that this marriage was annulled was because of the attention it has received around the world. Also, to call this a marriage is just a travesty. A 47 year old man and an 8 year old, even if he "waits to consummate it after she hits puberty" is child molestation to me. But just as importantly the girls father sold her her to this man as payment for a debt! Thats not a "marriage" in my book.
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