New Jersey just became the first state to completely ban child marriage

The New Jersey legislature passed a bill Monday that will ban marriage for those under the age of 18 without exception — the first state law of its kind.

The bill, which passed 26-5, awaits Gov. Chris Christie’s signature.“Marriage is a legal contract and it should be reserved for adults,” Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), a sponsor of the bill, said. “It is startling for people to learn that there are many underage marriages happening here in New Jersey. As a state, we have a responsibility to protect our residents, and moral obligation to protect children and this bill takes the necessary steps to do that.

”The bill, which passed 26-5, awaits Gov. Chris Christie’s signature. Read more here:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/new-jersey-just-became-first-state-completely-ban-child-marriage/?utm_source=Girls+Not+Brides+Newsletters+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=6a8bcdebe1-CM+in+the+news+25%2F03%2F17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a83e20c2e1-6a8bcdebe1-397996825