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Monday, 06 September 2010 07:19 |
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ Statistics show that South Dakota's
underage marriage requirements might be the most relaxed in the
region.
An Argus Leader analysis of marriage records shows that more
than 1,300 couples with at least one person younger than 18 have
obtained marriage licenses in South Dakota since 1995.
More than half of those marriages involved out-of-state
residents. Seven percent involved underage girls marrying men 10 or
more years older, including some sex offenders.
Union County Clerk of Courts Melissa Larsen performs marriage
ceremonies, and some of her clientele are underage couples. She
says it's too easy to get married in the state.
But the law is unlikely to change anytime soon. Several state
legislators say they have not heard of any problems with the
current marriage requirements.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) |
