JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In a significant bipartisan move, Missouri lawmakers are once again pushing to ban child marriage by setting the minimum marriage age at 18 without exceptions.
This initiative aims to protect minors from potential physical, emotional, and sexual abuse associated with early marriages.
Current Legal Framework in Missouri
As of now, Missouri law permits 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent, provided their spouse is under 21.
This legal provision has been criticized for exposing minors to various forms of abuse and exploitation. In 2018, the state raised the minimum marriage age from 15 to 16, but concerns persist regarding the adequacy of these measures.
Proposed Legislative Changes
The newly introduced Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Democratic Senator Tracy McCreery, seeks to eliminate existing loopholes by prohibiting marriage licenses for individuals under 18.
Republican Senator Rick Brattin has introduced a similar bill, reflecting a growing bipartisan consensus on the issue. These proposals aim to align Missouri with nearly a dozen other states that have already banned child marriage.
Personal Testimonies Highlighting the Issue
Advocates for the legislation have shared compelling personal stories to underscore the urgency of reform. Sheena Eastburn from Joplin testified about her marriage at 15, detailing two years of mental, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
She emphasized the lack of resources available to minors in such situations, noting that she couldn’t access domestic shelters due to her age.
Similarly, Brandy Dredge from St. Joseph recounted her experience of marrying at 16 to a 24-year-old man. Over nine years, she faced poverty, limited educational opportunities, and various forms of abuse, reflecting the broader statistics associated with child marriage.
Statistical Overview
Between 2019 and 2021, Missouri recorded 225 marriages involving minors, with approximately 75% of these cases involving girls under 18. These figures highlight the prevalence of child marriage in the state and the pressing need for legislative intervention.
Challenges and Opposition
Despite the bipartisan support, previous attempts to pass similar legislation have faced obstacles.
In the last session, a bill aiming to ban child marriage stalled in the House due to opposition from some Republican members who expressed concerns about government overreach and potential unintended consequences.
National Context
As of 2024, child marriage remains legal in 37 U.S. states under certain conditions. However, 13 states have enacted laws setting the minimum marriage age at 18 without exceptions, reflecting a growing national movement to end child marriage.
The renewed bipartisan efforts in Missouri to ban child marriage represent a critical step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors.
By setting the minimum marriage age at 18 without exceptions, the proposed legislation aims to protect vulnerable youth from the myriad risks associated with early marriage.
As the state deliberates on this issue, the testimonies of survivors and the compelling statistics underscore the urgent need for reform.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Legal Age for Marriage | 16 with parental consent; spouse must be under 21 |
| Proposed Change | Prohibit marriage licenses for individuals under 18 |
| Number of Minor Marriages (2019-2021) | 225 |
| Percentage of Female Minors Married | Approximately 75% |
| States Banning Child Marriage | 13 (as of 2024) |
| Recent Legislative Efforts | Senate Bill 66 introduced by Sen. Tracy McCreery; similar bill by Sen. Rick Brattin |
This table provides a concise overview of the current state of child marriage in Missouri and the legislative efforts underway to address the issue.
