How can a child be signed (away) in marriage to man 50 years her senior, without her knowledge and against the wishes of her mother?
The plight of an 8-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia is attracting the (attention) of world media, including CNN, and local media (such as) the Arab News and the Saudi Gazette. A contract for her marriage has been drawn (up) by her father and his 58-year-old friend, against the wishes of her mother and without the 4th-grader's knowledge.
The father defends the action, citing a (promise) from the new husband that the marriage will not be consummated until the girl reaches the age of 18. The girl (continues) to live with her mother at this time.
The mother petitioned a local court to annul the (marriage), but was denied on the technical ground that she is not the "legal guardian" of the child. Under Saudi law, which many local human and women's rights groups are (trying) to change, a female child or adult is always under the "legal guardianship" of a male (relative). So although the mother has physical custody of the child, she cannot legally represent the child in court. And ironically, since the child is still a (minor), she cannot petition the court herself until she reaches (puberty)!
Question)
1. How do you think of arranged marriage ?
2. What are your opinions after reading the passage?
