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      Published 
      September 30, 2024 9:46pm EDT
     D.C. Politics FOX 5 DC   Share Copy Link Email Facebook Twitter  LinkedIn Reddit       DC Council introduces bill to ban child marriage The D.C. Council is introducing legislation that would require individuals to be 18 or older to get married. The goal is to protect children who may not have a choice in the matter. WASHINGTON - In D.C., a ban on child marriage could soon become law.  Currently, 16- and 17-year-olds may not be able to drink, smoke, or vote, but they can get married.   The D.C. Council is introducing legislation that would require individuals to be 18 or older to get married. The goal is to protect children who may not have a choice in the matter. "There’s a loophole in our nation’s capital allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to tie the knot if they have consent from a parent or judge," said Councilmember Brooke Pinto.   She and other council members want to eliminate this loophole. "I believe there are no exceptions that make it acceptable to get married before the age of 18 when you are a child," Pinto added. 
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      article 1 in 3 Americans declining wedding invites due to cost, survey finds As wedding costs continue to trend upward, the logistics are taking a financial toll on another unexpected source - the guests. In 2023, 15 minors got married in the District, a significant increase from just one in 2022. Officials say the rise may be attributed to neighboring states, like Maryland and Virginia, prohibiting child marriage. "I have met with multiple survivors of being forced to get married when they were children. Some of them were part of cults, some of whose parents provided them no other alternative," Pinto said. The U.S. State Department classifies child marriage of any kind as a "human rights abuse and a form of child abuse," a sentiment echoed by many people FOX 5 spoke with.  A hearing about this bill is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 21. So far, the legislation appears to have strong support from council members.   D.C. PoliticsWashington, D.C.       Trending      'Gay Baby Jail' WNBA star Brittney Griner finds concerning note near National Harbor hotel room      Could you receive a stimulus check in 2025? Here's what we know      Joann fabrics stores closing: Full list of 500 stores including many in Maryland, Virginia      Major midweek snowstorm could hit DC: timing, impact, what to expect      DC housing market remains stable — no crash in sight, experts say DAILY NEWSLETTER All the news you need to know, every day        By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.        News Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandNational NewsCrimeSportsBusinessConsumerHealthPersonal FinanceFOX News SundayWeather ForecastFOX 5 SkycamsTrafficSchool Closings & DelaysFOX 5 Weather AppFOX WeatherGood Day LION Lunch HourCooking With ComoLights! Camera! McCarthy!DMV DestinationsPay It ForwardZip Trip 2024FOX 5 DC Originals LION Lunch HourDMV ZoneLike It Or Not!The Final 5On The HillIn The CourtsFOX 5 Live ZoneThree Weeks of Hell: The DC SnipersMotivation with MarissaThe Good WordMissing PiecesRegional News New York News - FOX 5 NYPhiladelphia News - FOX 29 PhiladelphiaNew Jersey News - My9NJPolitics ElectionElection ResultsKamala HarrisDonald J. TrumpD.C. PoliticsMaryland PoliticsVirginia PoliticsWatch TV ListingsLiveNOW from FOXFOX ShowsHow to watch FOX 5 DC on FOX LocalAbout Us FOX 5 Live InstaPollClosed CaptioningContact UsFOX LOCAL App for Smart TVFOX 5 NewsletterFOX 5 Mobile AppsSocial MediaContestsFCC Public FileFCC ApplicationsInternshipsJobs at FOX 5 Personalities youtubefacebooktwitterinstagramtiktokemail  New Privacy PolicyUpdated Terms of UseYour Privacy ChoicesFCC Public FileEEO Public FileAbout UsJobs at FOX 5Contact Us This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX Television Stations




Alright let’s get 435 house votes and 100 senate votes!