FAMILY MATTERS: Jacinda’s marriage sends an important societal message

It’s official. Wedding bells will be ringing at the end of the year for our Prime Minister.

We should celebrate this announcement – both for the couple and their daughter – but also because it sends an important societal message.

Marriage still matters.

On average, children raised by their married mum and dad have the best outcomes in health, education and income, and by far the lowest involvement with the criminal justice system. Marriage – whether preceded by a period of cohabitation or not – remains the more stable form of relationship.

That’s why marriage is needed and why marriage matters. It’s not simplistic or intolerance. And it’s not unrealistic to teach our young and future generations that the best environment for them as parents, and for their children, is within marriage.

Marriage isn’t perfect, but we ignore its benefits at our peril.

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