Oklahoma Bans Child Marriage–Where Is It Still Legal in Us?
Summary
Oklahoma has become the 17th U.S. state to ban marriage for anyone under 18, with no exceptions. Several other states still allow child marriage under certain conditions, but many are working to change these laws.Key Facts
- Child marriage means at least one person in the marriage is younger than 18.
- In 2017, all 50 states allowed marriage under 18 in some situations.
- Now, 17 states plus Washington, D.C., have banned all child marriages.
- Between 2000 and 2018, nearly 300,000 children, some as young as 10, were married legally in the U.S.
- Oklahoma’s new law passed the state Senate without opposition and passed the House by one vote.
- Previously, Oklahoma allowed minors to marry with parent or court approval.
- Many states still allow child marriage, but lawmakers in places like Wisconsin are proposing full bans.
- Child marriage raises concerns about abuse and vulnerability for minors with limited legal rights.
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