Marriage at 14 Legal in NY, But Not for Long

ALBANY – Marriages in New York are legal starting at age 14, but state legislators Tuesday vowed to change the law, saying it leaves children vulnerable to abuse.

 

Their bill would prohibit marriage under age 17, and marriage for those 17 or 18 would require court approval.

 

"Child marriage is just not a problem that occurs in countries on the other side of the globe, but it happens right here in our own very backyard," said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, the bill's sponsor.

 

"Child marriage is forced marriage. It is driven by poverty, deeply embedded beliefs and signifies a pervasive discrimination against young girls."

 

Currently, New York law allows marriage at age 14 and 15 with parental consent and court approval. At 16 or 17, people can marry solely with parental consent. 

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Source: WGRZ.com (via The Empire Report)