Delaware Expected To Be The First State To Ban Child Marriage Outright – NPR

The Delaware Senate voted unanimously Thursday to become the first state in the U.S. to ban child marriage, no exceptions. Legislation prohibiting minors from marrying under any circumstance is headed to the governor’s desk where he is expected to sign it.

Right now Delaware is one of 25 states that allows a child of any age to get married. And while most state laws require that people must be at least 18, they allow for exceptions, like pregnancy or parent consent.

“We’re leaving girls with no protections,” said State Rep. Kim Williams, who sponsored the legislation. “I don’t want children to have to make a decision about marriage until they’re 18.”

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