The history of Mormon girls and Mormon views on marriage is far too rich a subject for me to node unresearched, but here is a quick summary of some relevant information. In the early days of the LDS faith (Mormonism), polygamy was advocated. Men often had many wives, and this was partially the cause of the tremendous persecution the church suffered. Some time after moving to Utah, polygamy was banished in its entirety. Some randy bastards who had joined the church for the opportunity to dominate and sleep with a large number of women, while still making it to heaven (or the Celestial Kingdom, in LDS mythology), were very upset about this and started their own splinter groups in Southern Utah. These groups still exist, and they've become increasingly decadent to the point of marrying off their daughters before puberty. This is sick and wrong, and not advocated by anybody in the Mormon church. IANAM, but I grew up in LDS central (Provo, Utah), and believe me when I say that the only mormon women I knew who married before 18 did so because of accidental pregnancy. Now, LDS women and men DO marry too early, but this is not because of any religious requirement. The reason is that LDS young men go off on "missions" for two years upon reaching age 19, where they are completely forbidden to have social contact with women other than religious discussion. This combined with the ban on premarital sex makes for a great many horny young LDS couples eagerly making babies. Please note the complete lack of cults or mysticism in this truthful explanation. Very important.