Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bills on Monday to prevent child marriage in the state, raising the minimum age of consent for marriage to 18 and prohibiting secret child marriages.
The bills were sponsored by Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, and Reps. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and Graham Filler, R-DeWitt, who said the ban is necessary to protect children from abuse and predators, as well as to ensure their education and future opportunities.
“Keeping Michiganders safe and healthy is one of my top priorities, and today’s bipartisan bills will build on our efforts to protect young people—especially young women—from abuse,” said Whitmer. “As a county prosecutor, I went after those who used their power to prey on young people, and as governor, I am proud to sign legislation to strengthen protections for children and survivors into law. Together, we can make Michigan a safe, welcoming state where you can grow up and pursue your potential.”
According to the Tahirih Justice Center, a nonprofit organization that works to end violence against women and girls, Michigan is the 10th state to ban child marriage, joining Delaware, New Jersey, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Arkansas and Louisiana.
“We have heard from countless survivors who have told us how much this ban will mean to them,” said Jeanne Smoot, senior counsel for policy and strategy at the Tahirih Justice Center. “This is a huge win for the health and safety of Michigan children.”
The number of child marriages in Michigan has declined over the years, from 1,827 in 2000 to 190 in 2018, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. However, advocates say that any number is too high and that child marriage can have devastating consequences for the victims.
Anthony added that child marriage can also trap children in poverty and limit their choices in life. “I’m proud that Michigan has joined the national movement to end this archaic practice,” she said.
Filler said that the bills will also prevent secret child marriages that are authorized by probate judges without parental consent or knowledge. “These reforms will close loopholes that have been exploited by abusers who marry children to avoid criminal prosecution,” he said.
The bills received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature and were endorsed by various groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the National Organization for Women of Michigan.
“It’s time for us to ban the cruel practice of child marriage,” said state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), sponsor for HB 4295. “Abusive adults take advantage of minor children, setting them up for a life of torment. It is our duty to protect the children of Michigan, and I’m grateful this legislation is being signed into law.”
Relevant articles:
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs legislation to ban child marriage in Michigan, MSN, 9/19/2023
- Whitmer signs bills to strengthen and implement Michigan’s ban on child marriage, Detroit Free Press, 9/20/2023
- Michigan governor signs ‘overdue’ laws that aim to end child marriage in state, The Guardian, 7/12/2023
- Child Marriage, CBS Detroit, 9/19/2023