MIXED DIVORCE LAWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18325, 15 February 1923, Page 9

MIXED DIVORCE LAWS.

CHAOS IN UNITED STATES. CAMPAIGN FOR UNIFORMITY. America is interested in the agitation in England over the divorce laws, for a powerful . effort, backed by the General Federation of Women's Clubs, is being made to procure uniformity of marriage md divorce laws throughout the United States. At the present timo these laws, differing practically in ■♦very State, constitute a most amazing hodge-podge.. For instance, in 17 States there is no minimum limit of age for contracting the marriage tie. In nine the legal age is 12 years for girls and 14 for boys. In three others girls of 16 are permitted to marry without the consent of their parents. The result is that in-the United States there are legally married 13,000 girls and 1600 boys 15 years old, and 50,000 girls and 3000 boys of 16. r There is no prohibition of marriage of the feeble-minded in 19 States, and in States where there are restrictive laws applicants may themselves swear as to their fitness. ' , ■', In 35 States there is no interdiction of inter-marriage between the white, black, brown, ye'-low, or red races. As regards divorce, the State laws are so divergent that, whereas in North Carolina a divorce cannot be obtained on any grounds, and in New York for the one offence of misconduct, in Kentucky an ungovernable temper and joining a religious sect are two among 11 legal grounds, and among 14 specified grounds in New Hampshire .desertion or drunkennests is cause sufficient.