judicial consent for minors seeking marriage

The age of consent in North Carolina is 16, but before this legislation, 14- and 15-year-olds were allowed to marry. I believe this bill achieves both those measures, and I am honored to be a part of this critical effort.”Īnother concern was human trafficking. “As a child psychiatrist, I am determined to protect our vulnerable youth and to enhance their chances for happy, healthy futures.

“As a conservative Christian, I am a strong supporter of the sacrament of marriage,” Baker said in an email. Kristin Baker, R-Cabarrus, one of the bill's sponsors, said those who marry as minors face increased risks of dropping out of high school and college, increased medical and mental health disorders and future poverty. 'I’m thankful for the many collaborators on both sides of the aisle for pushing this much-needed effort over the finish line - our families will remember your determination.” Danny Britt Jr., R-Columbus, Robeson, said in an email. 'This bipartisan effort keeps our children and communities safer,' Sen. The bill was a bipartisan effort and passed unanimously in both the House and Senate chambers. 35, this pregnancy exception no longer exists for those under 16 years old. In this case, a guardian appointed by the court would determine if the marriage was in the child’s best interest. The study estimated that 93 percent of the applications were for marriages between a minor and an adult.īefore this new law, children ages 14 and 15 were allowed to marry under a “pregnancy exception,” which required court review before a marriage license was granted in the event that one of the parties involved was pregnant or already parenting. “While it falls short of raising the age of marriage to 18, it will make our state a safer place for children.”Ī study from the International Center for Research on Women reported that approximately 9,127 marriage licenses involving minors were issued in North Carolina between 20.

“This legislation is an important step toward ending child marriage in North Carolina and instituting more protections for children,” Cooper said in a press release. Minors ages 16 and 17 are still able to get married to an individual who is no more than four years older than them with parental consent or judicial authorization. Prior to this legislation, North Carolina was tied with Alaska for have the country’s lowest marriage age at 14.

Judicial consent for minors seeking marriage