Why are Americans fighting over no-fault divorce? Maybe they can’t agree what marriage is for

A growing number of Republicans say that you shouldn’t be able to divorce simply because you’ve fallen out of love. It’s an idea with a long history.

By: Marcia Zug, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 15, 2026

Words: 1,104

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Marcia Zug, University of South Carolina

“First comes love, then comes marriage” – so goes the classic children’s rhyme. But not everyone agrees. Increasingly, the idea that love is the most important reason to marry – or at least to stay married – is under attack. Republican pundits and lawmakers have been pushing back on the availability of no-fault divorce, challenging the idea that not being in love is a valid reason to end a …

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