A new bill in Washington could abolish child marriage and set the minimum age at 18

WASHINGTON – A ban on child marriage could soon become law in D.C.

Currently, 16 and 17 year olds may not be allowed to drink, smoke or vote, but they can get married.

The DC Council introduces legislation requiring people to be at least 18 years old to get married. The aim is to protect children who may have no choice in the matter.

“There is a loophole in our nation’s capital that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to tie the knot if they have permission from a parent or judge,” said Councilwoman Brooke Pinto.

She and other council members want to close this gap.

“I believe that there are no exceptions that make it acceptable to marry as a child before the age of 18,” Pinto added.

In 2023, 15 minors married in the District, a significant increase from just one in 2022. Officials say the increase could be due to neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia banning child marriages.

“I met several survivors who were forced into marriage as children. Some of them belonged to cults, others were given no other alternative by their parents,” Pinto said.

The U.S. State Department classifies child marriage of any kind as a “human rights violation and a form of child abuse,” a sentiment shared by many people FOX 5 spoke with.

A hearing on this bill is scheduled for Monday, October 21st. So far, the bill appears to have strong support among council members.