A Georgia mom was arrested after her daughter came to school with a tattoo on her shoulder. It is illegal in Georgia for a minor to be tattooed, even with parental consent. The tattoo artist, Brenda Gaddy, as well as the girl's mom, Emmie Nolan, were both arrested and charged with being a party of a crime (a misdemeanor). And though the police were following the law, a number of people question whether this is another case of the government interfering in a decision that should rightfully be made by parents.
According to 11 Alive, the girl's fifth-grade teacher called the police after spotting the ink when she wore a strapless dress to a school dance.
The girl initially told officers that her dad forced her to get the tattoo and that her mom was upset about it. However, she allegedly changed her story and later told authorities that she wanted the tattoo.
The tattoo was "bluish green" with the words "Jesus Loves" over a cross.
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A video reportedly confirmed that the child received the tattoo during a Super Bowl party and that there were both adults and minors who witnessed the incident.
According to 11 Alive, Lieutenant Jason Fetner of the County Sheriff's Office said Gaddy eventually admitted to tattooing the girl as well as other minors during the party but said that the girl's mom consented to it. "I think it's unfortunate in that the child actually wanted to get the tattoo," Fetner said. "It's not like the child was forced to get the tattoo, I think it just comes down to bad parenting."
However, when 11 Alive posted the story on Facebook asking readers for their thoughts, it started a heated debate.
Many agreed with the intention of Georgia's state law -- saying kids are just too young, even if parents agree.
Others agreed that it should be allowed as long as mom or dad consented.
Others took issue with where it was done more than how old the child was.
Some parents believe in allowing young children to decide when they are ready for a tattoo.
No matter where you fall in this debate, one thing is for sure: You better brush up on your state's laws before you consent to your kid's request to get a tattoo.
