National Coalition to End Child Marriage
End Gender-Violence Zonta Says NO!
US Women at the UNAt its August 2026 Annual Conference, the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates adopted Resolution 605, which urges all federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to establish 18 as the strict minimum age for marriage without exception and ensure full, free consent by both parties.
Key Aspects of Resolution 605 (2026)Minimum Age:
-Calls for setting 18 years old as the absolute floor for marriage validity.
-Elimination of Exceptions: Seeks to remove historical or legal loopholes (such as judicial or parental consent waivers) that previously allowed minors to marry.
-Informed Consent: Requires that any marriage entered into by individuals 18 or older mandates free and uncoerced consent from both parties, keeping with due process and contract law standards.
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