Saudis ‘to regulate’ child brides

(BBC): Saudi Arabia says it plans to start regulating the marriage of young girls, amid controversy over a union between a 60-year-old man and a girl of eight. A court in Unaiza upheld the marriage on condition the groom does not have sex with her until she reaches puberty. Justice Minister Muhammad Issa said his ministry wanted to put an end to the "arbitrary" way in whichparents and guardians can marry off underage girls. But he did not suggest the practice would be abolished. Human-rights groups oppose such marriages, which they say are often motivated by poverty.

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