The Michigan House voted Wednesday to outlaw child marriage.
Michigan law currently lets kids 16 and older marry with parental consent. Parents can marry off a child under 16 with a judge’s signature.
Democratic RepresentativeKara Hope says people are often surprised when they find out.
<i>“So, it’s not only legal, it’s happening. People had no idea that a 13- or 14-year-old child can get married off to an adult man. And that that relationship would have the blessing effectively of the state.”</i>
Supporters of the bills say sexual, physical and mental abuse often accompanies child marriage. Bills to stop it in Michigan have stalled in past legislative sessions.
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