All of those who shared their opinions at a public forum last night concerning the bill to raise the marriage age for females from 14 to 18, support the change.
The forum, hosted by the organization, Pae ma le Auli which advocates for the advancement of women and promotes the use of traditional means to resolve social issues of today, was to enlighten the public and get input on the marriage age bill.
The bill is going through third reading in the House of Representtives today before it is sent to the Senate where it was defeated in the last session.
An audience of about 40 including three men. heard panelistsDr. Celestine Nix- Assistant Director, Children and Family Services Division, Department of Human and Social Services, Pastor Enesi Enesi, Educator-Peseta Tialuga Seloti and Kanana High Fou junior-Aso Ve’a discuss the marriage age bill.
First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga opened the forum held at the VA Center.
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A woman who got married at 14 emphatically told the audience that at the time she was still a child herself and not ready to be a mother and wife.
Dr. Celestine Nix explained the definition of a child in local law.
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Rep Toeaina Faufano Autele whose Judiciary Committee reviewed the bill sponsored by Rep Fialupe Fiaui Lutu urged those present at the forum to lobby with their lawmakers for passage of the bill.
Also present was Election Comissioner Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi while the rest were mothers and grandmothers.
The youth panelist, Aso Ve’a, gave this her opinion about the bill.
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Pae ma le Auli says this would be the start of more community forums on topical issues.
