Canarian Weekly
26-04-2013, 11:50
THE SPANISH Government has raised the minimum age for marriage in Spain from 14 to 16 in an attempt to combat child abuse and exploitation.
It also proposes to revise the age of sexual consent, which is now just 13.
The reforms, part of major Government plans to combat the abuse of minors, will be funded with an estimated budget of 5.2 billion euros over the next four years.
In certain circumstances under the previous law, a child was allowed to marry from the age of 14, provided he or she had a court’s permission
Critics of the legislation argue that this could result in children being forced into the union and open the way for exploitation.
Children’s organisations have welcomed the reforms as a more effective means of preventing child abuse and fighting paedophilia.
In Spain, the minimum ages for marriage and sexual consent were previously among the lowest in the world.
Social Services Minister Ana Mato said: “Although the age to enter into marriage in our country is 18 years, the law does allow in certain circumstances for marriage at 14. We are going to raise that age to 16.”
The minister added that the Government would now work with political parties and children’s organisations to increase the age of consent, in line with European Union nations.
More... (http://www.canarianweekly.com/marriage-age-2yrs/)
It also proposes to revise the age of sexual consent, which is now just 13.
The reforms, part of major Government plans to combat the abuse of minors, will be funded with an estimated budget of 5.2 billion euros over the next four years.
In certain circumstances under the previous law, a child was allowed to marry from the age of 14, provided he or she had a court’s permission
Critics of the legislation argue that this could result in children being forced into the union and open the way for exploitation.
Children’s organisations have welcomed the reforms as a more effective means of preventing child abuse and fighting paedophilia.
In Spain, the minimum ages for marriage and sexual consent were previously among the lowest in the world.
Social Services Minister Ana Mato said: “Although the age to enter into marriage in our country is 18 years, the law does allow in certain circumstances for marriage at 14. We are going to raise that age to 16.”
The minister added that the Government would now work with political parties and children’s organisations to increase the age of consent, in line with European Union nations.
More... (http://www.canarianweekly.com/marriage-age-2yrs/)