The growing conservative push to restrict no-fault divorce reflects a deeper debate about the purpose of marriage. Critics argue that love alone shouldn’t justify ending a marriage, while proponents stress the importance of individual autonomy in such decisions.
Historically, marriage was transactional, focused on legal and economic benefits rather than love. The introduction of no-fault divorce in 1969 shifted the focus to personal fulfillment. Today, lawmakers in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska are challenging this model, arguing that stable marriages benefit society, especially children.
Ultimately, the fight over no-fault divorce reveals a broader cultural clash about whether marriage is primarily about love or a practical contract with societal benefits.