State Senator Mike Moon (R-Missouri) recently reiterated his belief that marriage can be appropriate for 12 year olds. The importance of parental rights to make choices for their children without government interference being the crux of his argument.

This raises a few questions. Answer some of the questions, or all of them, also feel free take it in a direction I didn’t think of. My first reaction was a giant WTF, so trying to put together something coherent for debate is a challenge.

What is the youngest appropriate age for marriage?

I think we can all agree not 12, but what about any age under 18?

Should parents have the ultimate right to decide what is best for their children, how much should the government regulate to prevent abuse?

This was brought up in the context of discussing gender affirming care, which Senator Moon opposes. Any thoughts there?

We recently discussed the expulsion of two members of the Tennessee House in CC. Given that this type of child marriage is something most of modern American society opposes, should that be considered in this instance? Would this be more appropriate use of the measure?