New York bans child marriages
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Tuesday to ban child marriage in New York.
Now New Yorkers must be 18-years-old to marry, with the exception that 17-year-olds can wed if they have parental consent and court approval.
Since 1929, people as young as 14 could marry in New York State with parental consent.
“This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages,” Cuomo said. “I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York once and for all.”
From 2000 through 2010, over 3,800 minors got married in New York. Child advocates say many of the children were forced or coerced.
Minors who marry are more likely to drop out of school, become victims of domestic violence, live in poverty and suffer health problems.
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