In a letter written on his behalf, Shoghi Effendi has commented on this
provision of the law:
Baha'u'llah has clearly stated the consent of all living parents
is required for a Baha'i marriage. This applies whether the
parents are Baha'is or non-Baha'is, divorced for years or not.
This great law He has laid down to strengthen the social fabric,
to knit closer the ties of the home, to place a certain gratitude
and respect in the hearts of the children for those who have given
them life and sent their souls out on the eternal journey towards
their Creator.