I cannot sit silently while the state of California considers another ridiculous piece of legislation. The state may forbid marriage to anyone under 18. Have these legislators no experience with beautiful, loving marriages made between 17-year-olds? Many students graduate from high school at 17 and start their adult lives by going to college, joining the military service or getting married. My own mother graduated high school at 17 and entered a 32-year holy and happy marriage to her high school sweetheart. Her brother graduated high school at 17 and wed his 17-year-old sweetheart and they shared a beautiful 65-year marriage. The state wants to protect children, but who wants to protect the basic rights of people to decide after high school to work, marry, emigrate — to go make a life? Seventeen-year-olds are not babies. Let them make their own decisions.
— Rebecca Blakely Bashforth, Chula Vista