Oklahoma has officially become the 17th state in the U.S. to outlaw child marriage. Child marriage refers to any marriage involving at least one person under the age of 18. The United Nations identifies this practice as a human rights violation and views it akin to forced marriage.
In 2017, legal marriage under the age of 18 was possible across all 50 states. Nearly ten years later, 17 states plus Washington, D.C., have increased the minimum legal marriage age to 18 without exceptions.
Data from Unchained at Last, an organization dedicated to ending child marriage in the U.S., reveals that between 2000 and 2018, around 300,000 children as young as 10 were legally married in the country. Most of these were girls marrying adult men.
Oklahoma’s Legislation
Oklahoma’s new legislation stipulates that anyone wishing to marry must be at least 18, with no exceptions. The bill passed unanimously in the state Senate. It faced some opposition from Republicans in the state House but was eventually passed by one vote.
Previously, Oklahoma law allowed minors to marry with parental or guardian consent. Those 16 or younger could marry with court authorization.
States Still Allowing Child Marriage
Despite progress, some states continue to permit child marriage in various forms, according to data from Unchained at Last:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Efforts are underway in these states to change the laws. In Wisconsin, Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to end child marriage without exceptions, ensuring that only individuals aged 18 or older can marry.
Advocates highlight the risks associated with child marriage, including exposure to abuse and limited legal rights. A lack of unified laws allows minors to be transported to states where marriage under 18 is still legal.
States Prohibiting Child Marriage
Some states have banned marriage for those under 18 completely. These include:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Future Implications
Oklahoma’s new law is scheduled to take effect on November 1. This marks a significant step in protecting minors and reinforcing human rights within the state.
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