The debate on minimum age repeated arguments heard at Stage 1:
that those under 18 are too young to make such a commitment, they are not allowed to buy alcohol, cigarettes or get a tattoo, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines children as those under 18
those aged 16 are mature enough to make this decision, have legal capacity, as set out in the Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991, they can get married, work and vote in the Scottish Parliament and local elections.