Gathering in Boston
Advocates and survivors of child marriage recently gathered in Boston to push for an end to the practice. Currently, over two dozen U.S. states allow minors to marry under certain conditions. A new bill in Congress proposes a national ban.
Child Marriage Concerns
The United Nations considers child marriage a ‘human rights violation.’ Risks for child brides include early pregnancy and social isolation. Education and career opportunities are often disrupted, increasing vulnerability to domestic violence.
Every year, the U.N. estimates 12 million girls become child brides. Child grooms may face pressure to drop out of school and prematurely assume adult responsibilities.
Global Initiatives and Legislation
The U.N. aims to end child marriage by 2030. Meanwhile, U.S. legislators introduced a bill in July, and the U.N. General Assembly established November 27 as the International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
Efforts continue worldwide. Nations such as Sierra Leone and the Dominican Republic have raised the marriage age to 18 without exceptions.
U.S. Legislative Efforts
On July 16, U.S. lawmakers introduced the Child Marriage Prevention Act, advocating for a minimum marriage age of 18 nationwide. Representative Gwen Moore pointed out the prevalence of child marriage and emphasized its predatory nature.
From 2000 to 2021, over 314,000 minors legally married in the U.S., with many marrying adults. Unchained At Last, a nonprofit fighting forced and child marriage, noted that statutory-rape laws often shield adult spouses from prosecution.
The Tahirih Justice Center has collaborated in developing this legislation, emphasizing the global impact of U.S. laws on child marriage.
Opposition and Critique
While many support the bill, some argue it doesn’t go far enough. Critics like Fraidy Reiss argue against provisions for studying child marriage instead of banning it outright. Others, including Reiss, criticize the spousal visa clause for minors.
Opposition also exists in states like Oklahoma and Missouri, where lawmakers cite government overreach as a concern.
Global Comparisons
Other countries have enacted strict bans. Sierra Leone voids marriages below age 18 and penalizes those facilitating child marriages. Columbia and Bolivia have removed exceptions for minors.
In some regions, cultural factors undermine legal bans. India has strong laws but high rates of child marriage persist due to cultural acceptance.
Challenges in India
Studies by Young Lives India found early marriage linked to concerns about unmarried daughters’ safety and economic factors like dowries.
UNICEF estimates 1.5 million girls under 18 marry in India annually. Despite laws, secret ceremonies are common.
Changing Perspectives
Experts argue that societal attitudes must shift alongside legal changes. Director Casey Carter Swegman highlights entrenched gender roles and patriarchy fueling child marriage in the U.S.
Community-level conversations and education are vital for effective change.
International Advocacy
The campaign for stronger laws is part of a broader international effort. Lawyer Bhuwan Ribhu notes that establishing the International Day to End Child Marriage offers a critical platform for holding governments accountable.
Ribhu and others work toward ending child marriage worldwide by 2030, advocating for legal reforms and protections.
Kamala Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist in Madurai, India, reporting on health, science, and development. Her work appears in The New York Times, BBC, and The Guardian.
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