Massachusetts senators to debate, vote on child marriage ban
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers are planning to debate legislation banning child marriage.
The state Senate is set to convene Thursday afternoon to consider a bill preventing persons under the age of 18 from marrying. Sen. Harriette Chandler's proposal would require clerks and registrars to ask for proof of age before issuing a marriage license.
Unlike many states, Massachusetts has no minimum age for marriage. Minors can marry with parental consent or a judge's order.
The state Department of Public Health says at least 1,190 children as young as 14 were married in Massachusetts between 2000 and 2014. Most were girls married to adult men.
If approved, the Senate bill would still need approval from the House of Representatives and Gov. Charlie Baker's signature. Delaware and New Jersey passed similar laws last year.
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