Maine has become the latest state to outlaw child marriage, a practice child welfare advocates say often involves coercing vulnerable young girls into unwanted unions.
A bill approved by the state Legislature raising the legal wedding age from 17 to 18 became law Monday without Gov. Janet Mills’ signature. The law will be enacted 90 days after the legislative session ends.
Backers of the plan say child marriage often involves coercion, even where parental consent is granted, with a girl forced to marry against her will.
“Too many children are forced into marriages, and while even those over 18 years of age can be forced, the difference is that when they are able to flee, they have greater access to services to help them sufficiently escape an abuser,” state Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, said in testimony. “By raising the age requirement from 17 to 18 years old to marry, we can eliminate this danger.”
