SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted unanimously to end child marriages in Minnesota. Ninety percent of child marriages occur between individuals with a significant enough age gap that, if not for the marriage, a sexual relationship would constitute statutory rape.
“This is a vote to end the exploitation of the most vulnerable Minnesotans,” said Rep. Kaohly Her, chief author of the legislation. “Child marriage is not just an international issue. It happens in the United States, in new immigrant communities as well as communities that have lived in this country for many generations. And it has the nearly universal effect of stunting childhoods and exposing minors to abuse, poverty, and life-long physical and mental health challenges.”
Children who get married are significantly more likely to experience abuse, poverty, adverse physical and mental health outcomes, underage pregnancy, death resulting from childbirth, and to drop out of school . Exceptions in 48 states allow those younger than 18 to marry. If passed, the bill would make marriages for children under 18 illegal in Minnesota and require proof of age during the marriage license application process.
Between 2000 and 2010, 248,000 children were married in the U.S, over 85 percent of which were girls. Minnesota is one of 13 states that does not keep data on child marriages.
Sen. Sandra Pappas chief-authored companion legislation in the Senate with bipartisan co-authors.