|
Russia: 14-year-olds allowed to marry
December 8, 2004
Local lawmakers in the central Russian region of Oriol have approved a new law
permitting marriage from the age of 14, four years earlier than the age
recommended - but not strictly mandated - by federal legislation, an official
said today.
"The bill was submitted by the governor and was finally adopted by deputies in
late November after six months of debate in committee," Sergei Silin, chairman
of Oriol's legislative committee on social policy, told AFP by telephone.
While Russia's federal family code recommends 18 as the legal age for marriage,
it also stipulates that the country's various regions, many of which have
distinct religious and cultural customs, may adopt their own law in this regard
suited to local practices.
The law in Oriol, where Russian Orthodox is the dominant religion, makes no
mention of a legal age for marriage. The Orthodox church, which also sets no
specific age for marriage, "has raised no objections" to the local law, Mr
Silin said.
Comment on this story,
click here.
Copyright 1999-2004, AsianSexGazette.com. All rights reserved. No
content may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission.
Please contact us via the link below for re-print and syndication policies.
|
|
 |
