Marriage Legality at 18: Public Response to Proposed Legislation

By The Inspirer.

In response to a bill in parliament proposing to allow Rwandans aged 18 to legally marry under specific conditions, the public’s reaction has been diverse, ranging from support to concern.

The bill aims to lower the legal marriage age from 21 to 18, based on the age of majority and the right to sexual consent. According to the new bill, individuals who have reached the age of majority but not the marriageable age can seek permission to marry from the district-level civil registrar, provided they can justify their request.

While some individuals welcome the proposed change, arguing that it corresponds with the age of majority and grants young adults autonomy in personal decisions, others express reservations about potential consequences.

Jeremie Niyiguha, a resident of Nyanza District, believes that at 18, individuals possess the capability to make significant decisions regarding their personal lives. “By this point, many young adults have completed high school education, demonstrating maturity and responsibility,” he said. “Therefore, entrusting them with substantial responsibilities and trusting in their ability to navigate adulthood is reasonable.”

Niyiguha also noted that the bill holds promise in rectifying a prevalent injustice, as some individuals miss out on opportunities due to outdated marital requirements, particularly affecting employment prospects, especially internationally.

Concerns about potential risks and vulnerabilities accompanying early marriage were also raised by Etienne Rugero from Kicukiro District. “An 18-year-old is still fulfilling responsibilities as a young adult, often including school and other commitments. It’s crucial to recognize that managing a household at this age can be a significant responsibility,” he said. “There’s no rush for an 18-year-old to marry simply because of an expected child. Each individual’s circumstances should be carefully considered, with appropriate support provided.”

Sylvie Nsanga, a local feminist, expressed disappointment at the prospect of passing the bill, stating that it contradicts Rwanda’s commitment to educating young girls and protecting them from early pregnancy. “It seems akin to forced marriage, which goes against our values and progress,” she argued.

Albertine Umukunzi, a student at the University of Rwanda, suggested that lowering the marriage age could lead to an increase in divorce cases. “In Rwanda, we’ve witnessed a significant rise in divorces, and the government is making efforts to reduce them. Allowing 18-year-olds to marry would be a setback in this process,” she said.

In most countries, the right to marry at 18 is protected along with other rights and responsibilities of adulthood. However, some countries permit marriage at younger ages, usually with parental consent or judicial authorization. These exceptions vary considerably by country.

Regional differences include Uganda, where the legal age is 21, Tanzania, where it was lowered to 18 by court decision, and Kenya, where it’s 18 with polygamous options. In Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Somalia, the legal age is set at 18. International law, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, defines the marriage age as 18, highlighting global consensus on protecting children’s rights.

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