May 12, 2008 8:14 pm US/Eastern
Pol: Make Parenting Class Mandatory For Marriage
Democrat Michel Says Proposal Would Apply To Every Couple, Even Those Already With Children
NEW CITY, N.Y. (CBS) ―
In this day and age of quickie weddings and high divorce rates, one local legislature is trying to add some gravity to the legal union.
A Rockland County lawmaker wants couples to take parenting classes
before walking down the aisle.
Before couples can walk down the aisle and enter into marital bliss they must first get a license. That's not hard if you aren't already married or under age. But if Rockland County Legislator Jacques Michel, D-Spring Valley, has his way, it would be.
"I think this is the only thing lawmakers are not responsible enough to say," Michel said. "Look, if some people want to get married, they need a parenting class."
Michel wants Albany to require couples to take a parenting class before they are issued marriages licenses. Here's why:
"Because gang leaders are taking the position of parenting," Michel said. "They are luring our children, saying your parent is not taking care of you. Let us take care of you."
Michel's idea is radical, but some couples find it downright old fashioned, because nowadays families are being started even before a couple walks down the aisle.
"I feel it's not necessary," said Lynette Batista, who was on her way to getting a marriage license before she spoke to CBS 2 HD. "There are so many people that have children and aren't married."
One couple CBS 2 HD spoke with waited four months after having their son, Evan, to obtain a marriage license.
"You learn as you go," Juan Abreu said. "You don't want anybody to tell you or teach you."
The NYCLU sees this possible legislation as misguided and intrusive.
"Parenting classes are a wonderful idea for people who want and need them, but not everyone getting married wants or needs those classes or is about to have a baby," said NYCLU executive director Donna Lieberman.
Michel's plan will have to be approved by a special committee, and then the Rockland County Council before it can go to the state level.
Under Michel's proposal, even people who are already parents would be required to take a parenting class before obtaining a marriage license.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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