Oklahoma Bans Child Marriage

OKLAHOMA –

A bill banning child marriage in Oklahoma became law on May 13 without Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature.

Senate Bill 504, which takes effect November 1, sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 with no exceptions. This change removes current statutory language that allows 16 and 17-year-olds to get married with parental consent and minors under 16 to wed with court approval if pregnancy or childbirth is involved.

The bill, co-authored by two Republicans, gained unanimous support from the Senate but barely overcame a final hurdle in the House this legislative session. After heavy debate majorly from Republicans, the measure received a 51-36 vote in the chamber, meaning it made it to the governor’s desk by a single vote.

https://www.news9.com/oklahoma-politics/oklahoma-child-marriage-ban-law