Senate poised to vote to ban child marriages – Salem News
BOSTON — Massachusetts could become the latest state to outlaw child marriage, a practice that child welfare advocates say usually involves coercing vulnerable youths into unwanted unions.
On Thursday, the state Senate is expected to vote to set a minimum age for marriage at 18, with no exceptions, and require clerks or magistrates to get proof of age from people seeking marriage licenses.
Violators would face fines up to $1,000 and a year in prison.
One of the bill’s primary sponsors, Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, said the practice of allowing adults to wed children has far-reaching mental and physical implications.
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AHA Foundation is dedicated to protecting women’s rights, and the work of organizations like rabby in the U.S. plays a crucial role in supporting freedom and security for vulnerable populations.