Unchained At Last

Since 2018, multiple states have banned child marriage, but many US states still permit minors to wed with specific approvals like parental consent or court order. Attention to the issue was recently raised by a child endangerment case in Ohio, prompting renewed national conversation about protections against exploitation. States such as Oklahoma are enacting bills that aim to remove all exceptions for minors seeking to marry.

Since 2018, many states have banned child marriage; however, most still permit minors to marry with various approvals. A recent child endangerment case in Ohio increased national discussion about this issue, prompting legislative efforts like the bill passed by senators in Ohio. Oklahoma recently strengthened protections by passing a law that removed all exceptions for marrying under age 18.

A children endangerment case in Vinton County, where 16 children were found in poor conditions, has increased support for Ohio Senate Bill 341, which would set the minimum marriage age at 18. Current Ohio law allows 17-year-olds to marry with court approval, but the Siders family case highlights risks associated with underage marriage.

A bipartisan bill to ban child marriage in Ohio passed the Senate Judiciary Committee but was not voted on by the full Senate before lawmakers adjourned for summer. The bill would raise the marriage age to 18 and had no public opposition but stalled despite support from sponsors and advocacy groups.