The question of child brides

Message / Question

If it is only sex outside marriage your concern, what you do in culture where marriage at 8 years old is normal like prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Aisha? How long do Christian wait?

Response

As far as I am aware, the “holy books” of none of the monotheistic faiths actually set any age for marriage. In “modern” times, a great deal has been learned about the psychological effect of marriage on children and the conclusion has been that child marriage is damaging to a child’s emotional and psychological development and thus it has been banned by most nations. Internationally, the United Nations also outlaws child marriage. The age that is acceptable for marriage is set by the culture and laws of individual nations, however knowing the harmful effect of marriage on a child, should be sufficient for most civilized people to accept that it is wrong.

So what age is an acceptable age for marriage? We live in Australia and are bound by Australia law. The accepted minimum age for marriage in Australia is 18, however a court order may allow a person aged between 16 and 18 to marry.