Leave 'Em Alone
I was reading the New York Times (which I get free daily here at WSU) and on the front page, underneath an update of the situation with Katrina, was an article about Matthew Koso, a 22 year old who is being charged with statutory rape of his wife, a 14 year old girl named Crystal. They live in Nebraska, and traveled to Kansas to be married. Now, I personally think that a 22 yr old having sex with a 14 yr old is rather repulsive. On the other hand, however, the two were legally married, with their parents' permission, and they have a baby. I doubt that their relationship will last, but I think that that is solely up to them at this point. The state has no right to meddle with the personal relationships of individuals (like, oh say, gay people). Which would you rather be told to you by your mother: "Honey, the reason your father isn't around is that we had serious discussions and came to the decision that we weren't meant to stay together." Or would you prefer "Honey, the reason your father isn't around is that the state decided we shouldn't be together and put him in prison. But don't worry, he'll be out just after you turn fifty, and theres always 15 minute visitation periods!" On top of that, while Koso is 22 physically, there is significant evidence that he is much younger mentally. I think that whats done has been done, and now they need to be left alone to destroy their relationship themselves.