New Hampshire's Push To Ban Child Marriage: A Look At Legislative Changes

New Hampshire may soon join the ranks of states that have taken significant steps to protect children from the consequences of early marriage. Recently, the state House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the minimum marriage age to 18. This legislative move could make New Hampshire the next state to ban child marriage, a practice that remains legal in many states across the U.S. Despite being uncommon, child marriage still exists, and this bill represents a critical step toward ensuring that young people are not forced into life-altering commitments before they are fully ready.

As it stands, only 12 states have laws prohibiting child marriage, leaving many young individuals vulnerable to marrying before they reach adulthood. The newly passed Senate Bill 359 explicitly states, "No person below the age of 18 years shall be capable of contracting a valid marriage, and all marriages contracted by such persons shall be null and void." This statement encapsulates the bill's intention to protect minors from the potential harms associated with early marriage.

The future of this bill now rests in the hands of Governor Chris Sununu, who has previously shown support for measures that raise the minimum age for marriage. New Hampshire's journey towards a complete ban on child marriage reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children and ensure they are not subject to adult responsibilities before they are ready. By signing this bill, Governor Sununu could leave Maine as the only remaining state in the northeast that allows marriages for individuals under 18, setting a new precedent for child welfare in the region.

• Child marriage is still legal in most states, although rare.
• New Hampshire's proposed bill aims to raise the minimum marriage age to 18.
• Governor Chris Sununu has previously supported raising the marriage age.
• Only 12 states currently have laws banning child marriage.

Delaware was the first state to outlaw child marriage in 2018, paving the way for others to follow suit. Recent legislative efforts in states like Virginia and Missouri also indicate a shift towards recognizing the potential dangers of child marriage. As more states begin to reconsider their laws, the movement to end child marriage continues to gain momentum across the United States.

This significant change in New Hampshire's marriage laws not only reflects a shift in societal views but also highlights the importance of advocacy in shaping legislation. Representative Cassandra Levesque, a key figure in this movement, acknowledged the collective efforts that have brought this issue to the forefront. The passage of this bill is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of ensuring that children are given a voice in matters that significantly affect their lives.

In summary, New Hampshire's recent legislative action represents a critical step in the ongoing fight against child marriage. As the bill moves to the governor's desk, it stands as a beacon of hope for advocates and allies dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of minors. With support from the community and lawmakers, there is a possibility that child marriage could soon be a thing of the past in New Hampshire and beyond.