Advocacy for Raising the Minimum Age of Marriage

SOURCE npr.org
Brigitte Combs shares her story of being married at 15 to a much older man, advocating for a bill to raise the minimum age of marriage in Virginia to 18.

Key Points

  • Brigitte Combs shared her personal experience of being married at 15 and supports raising the age to 18.
  • Advocates argue that raising the age can prevent abuse and protect minors, as many underage marriages are linked to sex crimes.
  • The movement to raise the marriage age has gained ground over the past decade due to advocacy and changing social norms.
  • Currently, Virginia allows 16-year-olds to marry with a judge's approval and emancipation.
  • Delaware was the first state to set the minimum age at 18 in 2018.
  • Resistance to raising the age of marriage comes from various ideological views and concerns about community stigma.
  • Combs opposes any exemption from the legislation, including for pregnancy.

Pros

  • Advocates for raising the minimum age of marriage argue it can prevent abuse and protect minors.
  • The bill in Virginia would be the 12th state to prohibit minors from getting married.

Cons

  • Opposition to raising the age of marriage comes from various ideological views and concerns about community stigma.
  • Some argue that minors who are emancipated have certain rights and should also have the right to marry.