Missouri State Senator Mike Moon supported child marriage Tuesday. He cited the seemingly successful marriages of people he knew who were 12 when they got married.

During a debate about a bill that would ban state-provided gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the Republican made these comments.

The video of the exchange shows Moon confronting Democratic state Rep. Peter Meredith over comments he made in the past about parents’ rights to make their own decisions regarding their children.

Meredith informed Moon that she voted “no” on making it illegal for children to marry adults aged 12 if their parents consent.” “You stated that the law should apply because it is the right of the parents and the child to choose what’s best. To be raped in public by an adult.”

Moon’s response was, “Do you know of any children who were married at 12?”

Meredith stated, “I don’t need to,”

“I do. Guess what? Moon responded, “They’re still married.”

Moon didn’t immediately respond to Insiders’ request for comment, but defended his tweet. Moon wrote that the “backstory” was missing and explained how a 12-year-old had impregnated a child of a similar age.

He said that they were married with the consent of their parents and are still married today.

According to The Springfield News-Leader, Moon has a documented history supporting child marriage with parental consent.

Missouri’s 2018 legislature passed a bill that raised the minimum age for marriage from 15 to 16. Teens under 18 years old must have parental consent. Moon voted against it, saying he had known a couple who were married since 12 years old.