Missouri: home to child marriage, corporal punishment and sick ‘child welfare’ ideas | Arwa Mahdawi
Missouri: home to child marriage, corporal punishment and sick ‘child welfare’ ideas The Guardian
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Marriage in the US
Introduction
Did you know that child marriage is still legal in much of the US? According to the advocacy group Unchained at Last, approximately 300,000 children and teenagers were legally married in the US between 2000 and 2018. Shockingly, at least 60,000 of those marriages should have been considered a sex crime.
Child Marriage in Missouri
Missouri, until recently, was known as a “destination wedding spot” for children who wanted to get married. However, the state has now tightened its child marriage laws and is seeking to ban the practice. Despite this, not all lawmakers are supportive of the changes. Missouri state senator Mike Moon even defended marriages involving 12-year-olds, claiming that they are “thriving”.
Corporal Punishment in Missouri Schools
In many school districts in Missouri, corporal punishment is still authorized. This means that teachers can spank students as a form of punishment. However, it is important to note that severe physical abuse is not allowed. According to one school district, the only permitted form of punishment is swatting the buttocks with a paddle.
Human Rights Watch Grade for Missouri
Last year, Human Rights Watch gave Missouri an “F” grade for its compliance with international child rights standards. This low grade was primarily due to the state’s child marriage and punishment laws.
Proposed Bill in Missouri
Introduction of the Bill
State representative Jamie Gragg has introduced a new bill in Missouri that aims to “protect” children. However, the bill has raised concerns as it would force teachers to register as sex offenders if they use a transgender child’s preferred pronouns or provide support for their social transition.
Implications of the Bill
The bill defines “social transition” broadly as the process by which an individual adopts the name, pronouns, and gender expression that match their gender identity. If this bill becomes law, teachers could potentially face severe consequences for using a transgender child’s preferred pronouns, while other forms of punishment, such as spanking, may go unpunished.
Status of the Bill
Currently, the bill is just a proposal and has not gained much support. There are no co-sponsors for the bill, and no hearing has been scheduled. It is unlikely to become law in the near future.
Impact of Anti-Trans Bills
Republican Tactics and Overton Window
Extreme bills like this one signal the direction Republicans want to take and push the Overton window further to the right. It is concerning that bills like HB2885 are even proposed, as they contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Increase in Anti-Trans Bills
Last year, over 308 anti-trans bills were introduced in the US, including 43 in Missouri. This year is expected to see an even higher number of such bills.
Endangering Transgender Lives
All this legislation and anti-trans rhetoric contribute to an environment where it is dangerous to be LGBTQ+. Transgender deaths are on the rise in the US, with a significant number of individuals being killed or lost to suicide.
- Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian US columnist
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of child marriages in the US between 2000 and 2018
- Number of child marriages occurring at an age or with a spousal age difference that should have been considered a sex crime
- Existence of laws banning child marriage without exceptions
- Grade given to Missouri by Human Rights Watch for compliance with international child rights standards
- Number of school districts in Missouri authorizing corporal punishment
- Types of punishment allowed in Missouri schools, such as swatting the buttocks with a paddle
- Existence of bills or legislation targeting transgender individuals and their rights
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage | – Number of child marriages in the US between 2000 and 2018 – Number of child marriages occurring at an age or with a spousal age difference that should have been considered a sex crime |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | – Existence of laws banning child marriage without exceptions – Grade given to Missouri by Human Rights Watch for compliance with international child rights standards |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Number of school districts in Missouri authorizing corporal punishment – Types of punishment allowed in Missouri schools, such as swatting the buttocks with a paddle – Existence of bills or legislation targeting transgender individuals and their rights |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theguardian.com
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