A new bill in DC could end child marriage by setting the legal age at 18

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DENVER, CO – APRIL 17: Ryan and Ashley Bradshaw walk down the hall between largely empty pews after their wedding at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Friday, April 17, 2020. In attendance were the priest, the bride, the groom and two choir members, four friends, six at once

WASHINGTON – In Washington, a child marriage ban could soon become law.

Currently, 16- and 17-year-olds may not be able to drink, smoke or vote, but they can get married.

The D.C. Council is introducing legislation that would require people to be at least 18 years old to get married. The aim is to protect children who may have no choice in the matter.

“There is a loophole in our nation’s capital that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to get married if they have permission from a parent or a judge,” said council member Brooke Pinto.

She and other councilors want to eliminate this loophole.

“I believe there are no exceptions that allow you to get married before the age of 18 when you are a child,” Pinto added.

In 2023, 15 minors were married in the District, a significant increase from just one person in 2022. Officials say the increase can be attributed to neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia, which ban child marriage.

“I met many people who were forced to get married as children. Some of them belonged to cults and some of them were not provided with any other alternative by their parents,” Pinto said.

The U.S. Department of State classifies all types of child marriage as a “human rights violation and a form of child abuse,” a view shared by many people FOX 5 spoke to.

A hearing on this bill is scheduled for Monday, October 21. So far, the legislation appears to have strong support from council members.