Yemen sets minimum marriage age, but with exceptions "if a judge rules the marriage is 'in the best interest of the child'"

Missing the Point Alert: "If a judge rules the marriage is 'in the best interest of the child'."

Predictably, the new law is encountering resistance based on sharia law, which invokes Muhammad's own example (as a model of exemplary conduct, per Qur'an 33:21) in marrying Aisha at age six and consummating the marriage when she was nine. "Yemen: New law moves to reduce child marriages," from Adnkronos International, February 12:

Sanaa, 12 Feb. (AKI) - A new law passed in Yemen gives women greater legal protection, in relation to marriage and motherhood. The law raises the minimum age for marriage to 17, and provides for the right to alimony and recognition of the mother as the sole guardian of her children.

Despite penalties for anyone who violates the law, it appears that it will allow some girls under the age of 17 to be married if a judge rules the marriage is "in the best interest of the child".

A Yemeni Islamist deputy said restrictions outlined under the new law were not consistent with Islamic Sharia law.

"It is not possible to clearly define the minimum age for marriage, because it all depends on the level of maturity of the spouse, from a physical and mental point of view," said Zayd al-Shami, quoted by pan-Arab daily al-Quds al Arabi.

"To define marriage age in such a specific manner is in clear contrast to Islamic Sharia law."
According to the English-language Yemen Times, the parliament also passed an amendment concerning women and children in two laws.

The amendments include facilitating pre-marital medical checks to determine genetic faults, dangerous diseases or health risks, as well as restricting polygamy to the husband's ability to support more than one family.

"Fairness is included in all aspects, such as time spent with each wife, housing and logistics," said the Yemen Times.

That depends on the assumption that polygamy is fair.

"The first wife also has to be legally notified of his intention of marrying another to allow them to make future decisions."

It is in the best interest of the child to marry some old guy? In a polygamous marriage on top of that as well? How well will she be treated by the older wife/wives? Old Mo was a pediphile, now doubt about that, and he wrote it into his terrorist training manual to make it legal for muslim males to have as many wives as they want. All they have to do is divorce one wife to take a shiney, new girl for the muslim to rape. The West needs to wake up and stop this behavior.