That's not an accurate representation of West Virginia law.

The age of consent for marriage is 18. A marriage license may be given to a person at least 16 years old given consent from their legal guardian and that the person they are marrying is no more than 4 years older than them. [1]

But yes, until 2023 there was no age requirement as long as their legal guardian consented. [2]

Your issue raised here really boils down to whether its okay for parents to determine what is best for their child or if the state needs to decide that.

[1] https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-2-301/ [2] https://theamm.org/articles/1625-west-virginia-updates-age-r...

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philipwhiuk 16 hours ago | parent [-]

> A marriage license may be given to a person at least 16 years old given consent from their legal guardian and that the person they are marrying is no more than 4 years older than them.

Why?

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_heimdall 14 hours ago | parent [-]

Why not? The age of 18 is an arbitrary cultural norm, I'd ask why the state has to step in and enforce it as opposed to letting the parent or legal guardian decide.

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breezybottom 11 hours ago | parent [-]

Because society has an interest in preventing girls from being sex trafficked by their parents.

	▲	_heimdall 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		That doesn't track. Sex trafficking is already a crime, preventing the parties involved from getting a marriage license won't stop it. Also its interesting that you are only concerned when the under 18 individual is a girl.