When you think about child marriage, you might not imagine it happening in the United States. But as someone deeply interested in this issue, I was stunned to learn how the laws in my home state, New Hampshire, address this. Let me break it down for you because it’s an eye-opener—and something we all need to talk about.
What Are the Current Laws on Child Marriage in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the minimum marriage age is surprisingly low. With parental consent and court approval, boys as young as 14 and girls as young as 13 can legally marry. Yes, you read that right—13.
While the state has made progress in recent years, including attempts to raise the minimum age, these laws still leave loopholes for underage marriages to occur.
Why Does This Law Exist?
The origins of these laws date back centuries when life expectancy was shorter, and societal norms were drastically different. However, in today’s world, these laws feel outdated and harmful. They often ignore the rights of the child, putting them in vulnerable situations, and can even perpetuate cycles of abuse and poverty.
The Push for Change: Advocates Speak Out
I’ve followed efforts by advocacy groups and lawmakers who are pushing to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 without exceptions. Their arguments are compelling:
- Protecting children: Marriage at such a young age can derail a child’s education and emotional development.
- Preventing abuse: Often, underage marriages involve a significant age gap, raising concerns about coercion and exploitation.
Despite these efforts, change has been slow, largely due to resistance from those who argue for “parental rights” or cite traditional values.
Real Stories: The Impact of Child Marriage
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this issue is hearing real stories from people who married as children. Many describe feeling trapped in relationships they weren’t ready for, with little to no support to escape. These accounts are a sobering reminder of why this law needs to change.
How Can We Make a Difference?
If this topic sparks something in you, there are ways to help:
- Contact your legislators: Urge them to support bills that raise the minimum marriage age.
- Educate others: Many people are unaware that child marriage is even legal in New Hampshire—or anywhere in the U.S.
- Support advocacy groups: Organizations like Unchained at Last are doing incredible work to end child marriage nationwide.
Judge Blocks Ohio Election Law: Here’s What You Need to Know
My Takeaway
As someone who’s delved deeply into this issue, I believe New Hampshire is overdue for a change. It’s time to align our laws with the best interests of children and modern societal values. Raising the minimum marriage age to 18 without exceptions is not just necessary—it’s urgent.
Let’s not let outdated laws dictate the future of our children. Together, we can ensure they have the chance to grow up, dream big, and live free from coercion.
