Category: Controversy

Controversial Marriage Could Legally Happen in New Jersey

1/9/2013

by Tara Bard, Contributing Writer

Controversy over a report about marriage between a 15-year-old female and a 70-year-old male in Saudi Arabia has led to speculation about age differences in marriage in the United States. Even in the recent past, commenters point out, it was legal for American minors to marry legal adults.

It is technically possible for a 15-year-old to marry a 70-year-old in New Jersey – although it is highly unlikely that a court official would approve the arrangement.

Age of consent in New Jersey

In New Jersey,it is legal for a 16 or 17-year-old to marry with parental consent. According to the official literature posted by the State of New Jersey Department of Health, both individuals must:

“Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a Marriage with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.”

There are additional laws that affect everyone wishing to get married in New Jersey, including minors:

· There is a 72-hour waiting period for everyone wishing to marry in the state.
· Once obtained, the marriage license is valid for a month.
· Nonresidents can marry in New Jersey and are still subject to the license requirements and waiting period.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com.

Three Reasons Why New Jersey Should Allow Same-Sex Marriages

2/29/2012

by Tara Bard, Contributing Writer

New Jersey's Gov. Chris Christie recently vetoed a bill that would allow gay marriage in the Garden State. From an economic perspective, this was a poor decision. Forced to tie the knot elsewhere, gay couples must marry elsewhere (such as nearby New York), taking the revenue with them in this troubled economy.

State economy

New Jersey has a major deficit problem. Gov. Christie won the last gubernatorial election primarily upon his financial policies--but now he's taken a stand against gay marriage due to his personal and religious feelings on the issue.

Being one of the first states to legalize gay marriage could keep gay weddings in the state, adding money to local businesses and government (marriage license fees, park photography fees).

Possibly hoping for a bid as the running mate of a Republican presidential candidate, Christie took a politically advantageous stand on the issue.

Destination weddings

With gambling now legal in Pennsylvania, Philadelphians no longer have to venture to Atlantic City to gamble. In this economy, people just don't have the money to spare on gambling for entertainment, either.

Atlantic City and other South Jersey locations have decided to brand themselves as ideal for destination weddings. For many, it's also a less expensive destination than Las Vegas. The local economy will lose out on destination weddings as gay marriage is still banned.

Trendsetter state

As a state full of firsts, New Jersey strives to be seen as trend-setting. New Jerseyians are sensitive about being compared to (or second to) nearby Philadelphia and New York City--but delaying the eventual legalization of gay marriage only reinforces this stereotype.

UPDATE: Same-sex marriages have been legal in New Jersey since October 21, 2013.

This post was originally published on Examiner.com.

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