Spain finally ups marriageable age to 16 years

Spain’s marriageable age has been raised from 14 years to 16years. In addition, the law also raises the legal age for sexual consent from 13 years to 14 years. This move brings the country’s policies in line with the majority of Europe. Politicians and activists alike say the new law is a symbolic move against pedophilia and forced marriage.
The legislation has been under pressure from child protection groups and United Nations experts, who asked the country to address the matter in 2010. According to Gabriel Gonzalez-Bueno of UNICEF, “Raising the marrying age is an attempt to ensure that children have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, their education and their health.