Religious bodies have misguided views on the issue of child marriage says Government Minister Maxie Cuffie as he pointed out that there were also religious arguments against the abolition of slavery. Cuffie spoke on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill, 2016 at last Fridays Parliament sitting at the International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain. Debate was adjourned on the Bill which now no longer requires Opposition support for passage. The Bill seeks to make 18 the legal age for marriage. Cuffie, the Minister of Public Administration and Communications, said while he respects the work that has been done by religious bodies, theirs is a misguided view and on this issue they are wrong, and theyre as wrong as the people who stood up to defend slavery; theyre as wrong as the people who were against giving women the right to vote; theyre as wrong as the people who were against universal adult suffrage and those who said the world is flat. He reminded the Parliament that some of the most far-reaching and landmark pieces of legislation were objected to by religious bodies. During the time of slavery, there were people who were arguing against the abolition of slavery on the grounds that God wanted things that way to protect African people. In the 1920s there were religious people arguing women should not have the right to vote because things will fall apart. In fact, some people in Saudi Arabia still believe that things will fall apart if women are given the right to drive. And throughout history youve seen some of the greatest advances, in terms of society, being objected to by religious persons, said Cuffie. Protection for children

Cuffie said at present this country has legislation that allows women to be objectified and this must be changed. For me this bill is not about young boys and young girls, its about creating a culture that respects our young people and respects young women. When we have legislation that allows women to be objectified, it leads to a culture where rape is prevalent, where violence against women is prevalent... he said. Cuffie said it was untenable for the Opposition to pretend they are supporting the marriage age of 18, yet add caveats to their support. I support this legislation... to assist the young people of this country, to protect children and to do all that is possible so that we do not have a dichotomy in the legislation where you can be treated as a minor on one hand if you dont take marriage vows and youre treated as an adult if you have, he said. He said the legislation is intended to treat with how the country sees itself, explaining that when a young girl is asked or is forced to get married at an early age, its not just the girl who suffers but her siblings and extended family. Cuffie added that having listened to the arguments, no one from the Opposition bench has advanced reasons why there is need for a three-fifths majority to get the bill passed. He said no one outlined how having the three-fifths majority will enhance the bill or what has been taken out of the bill that will affect a young man or woman because it does not have the three-fifths majority clause.

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Religious bodies misguided - Trinidad & Tobago Express