Reply #59: Even within the framework of religoius freedom, I would think some things must stand. Minimum ages

[Iris]

for marriage, for one thing. You could also argue that genital mutilation is a cultural and religious practice, but in this country, we don't do that and, so, I would think that would be a practice that would best be stopped or at least postponed to a reasonable age of consent - say, 18. So, if a woman chooses to marry at 18 and fully submit to her husband and have 18 kids, then, I'd say that's acceptable as her choice. Same for an 18 year old woman who wants the women of her community to cut her clitoris out. But I'd say until the participants reach the age of 18, these practices should not be permitted.


That's not to say I'm exactly comfortable with an 18 year old who has been kept from "worldly" things making these decisions in a vacuum, but at least it could be argued she was old enough to make her own choice.