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'We Are Literrally Dialing Back The Dial Of Progression': Natasha Cloud Fires Back With Scathing Response To US Government’s Inaction On Child Marriage Bill
New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) brings the ball up the court Saturday, May 24, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The New York Liberty defeated the Indiana Fever, 90-88.

New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud isn’t one to hold back her thoughts, especially when it comes to social issues. This week, she turned her attention to what she sees as a disturbing failure by the U.S. government — the lack of a nationwide ban on child marriage.

On Monday, the former WNBA champion took to X to call out lawmakers for allowing the practice to remain legal in several states. She argued it’s part of a wider rollback on women’s rights, including the right to vote guaranteed by the Nineteenth Amendment.

“Did yall know that in 4 states in 2025 men are legally able to marry 14 year olds? We are literally dialing back the dial of progression. With the 19th amendment being under attack as well,” Cloud posted. “Your husbands want a ‘house’ vote. Guess who gets to make that. Like wtf is happening?”

Cloud warned that without firm action, the future looks grim.

“Our daughters will have less rights than us. That’s a failure to them & their futures,” she added.

According to The 19th, an independent news outlet, child marriage was still legal in all 50 states as recently as 2018. Since then, 16 states have outlawed it. In August 2024, Senator Richard Durbin introduced the Child Marriage Prevention Act, which would create a National Commission to Combat Child Marriage and reward states that enact bans.


May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“It will always be Staples Center to me” — Natasha Cloud on playing in LA

On Tuesday, Natasha Cloud and the Liberty hit the court at Crypto.com Arena, where they outlasted the LA Sparks 105-97. While the win was sweet, the veteran guard made it clear she still feels a deep connection to the building.

“I know it’s Crypto now,” Cloud said before the game, “but it will always be Staples Center to me.”

“This is the house that Kobe built,” she added. “So I’m always happy to be back here.”


Jul 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Liberty forward Stephanie Talbot (6) and guard Natasha Cloud (9) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) celebrate during the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Before its rebranding in 2021, Staples Center was home to five NBA Finals, three WNBA Finals, and two Stanley Cup championships — history Cloud clearly hasn’t forgotten.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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