Legislation banning child marriages was released from a Delaware House committee Wednesday.
The bill sponsored by State Rep Kim Williams (D-Newport) requires Delawareans to be at least 18 years old to get married. Williams says her legislation is aimed at preventing minors being forced to marry adults.
But State Rep. Joseph Miro (R- Pike Creek) says he’s for allowing minors to marry if both are willing participants.
“So there are unintended consequences here that I don’t think the committee really have explored in its totality,” he said.
Since 2000, more than 200 minors have gotten married.
Currently parents, legal guardians and friends can petition a judge to allow a minor to marry.
The legislation would also allow annulments for some Delawareans who got married when they were a minor.
