West Virginia House passes law banning child marriage – By Amelia Ferrell Knisely (The Register-Herald) / Mar 2, 2023
CHARLESTON —The House of Delegates on Wednesday signed off on a bill that would raise the state’s minimum marrying age to 18 regardless of parental or guardian consent or a judge’s permission.
West Virginia has the highest rate of child marriage in the country.
The state’s current law allows a 16 year old to get married with parental consent. If the person is under the age of 16, a judge can sign off on the marriage.
Data from the health department showed girls as young as 14 have entered into marriages in the last decade.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id="404"]
