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Bill to Make 18 the Minimum Age For Marriage in Washington Passes the House
OLYMPIA, WA – Washington State does not have a law banning child marriages, but that could change. The House yesterday unanimously voted to approve House Bill 1455. It now goes on to the Senate for consideration.
Current Washington law allows 17-year-olds to get married with the consent of a parent or guardian, and even younger if a superior court judge deems it appropriate. Both those exceptions will be wiped off the books and a firm minimum of 18 years would be established if legislation sponsored by Representative Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) makes it to Governor Jay Inslee.
Stonier pointed to the high incidence of abuse and coercion in underage unions as a key reason for her bill.