Good news: Despite objections from religious conservatives, New Jersey becomes the second state in the nation to completely ban child marriage.
Last Friday New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a complete ban on child marriage, making New Jersey only the second state in the union to do so. Delaware became the first state to issue a complete ban on child marriage last May.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed the measure into law in Trenton, the state capital, calling it an “important human rights issue.”
Previously, children in New Jersey as young as 16 could marry with parental consent, and those under 16 could marry with approval of a judge.
Governor Murphy announced the new legislation via Twitter:
No child should be forced or coerced into marriage.
Today, I signed legislation making New Jersey the second state in the nation to ban child marriage.
New Jersey will be a national leader in protecting the welfare of children. #EndChildMarriagehttps://t.co/9W6QVoaIKK pic.twitter.com/ZAkfLM3QJC
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 22, 2018
No child should be forced or coerced into marriage.
Today, I signed legislation making New Jersey the second state in the nation to ban child marriage.
New Jersey will be a national leader in protecting the welfare of children. #EndChildMarriage
Commenting on the new law, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, who was one of the original sponsors of the bill to ban child marriage, said:
Last year, citing concern for religious traditions, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have banned child marriage in New Jersey. At the time, in an attempt to justify his veto, Christie said:Marriage is a loving bond between two people. Forcing young girls into arranged marriages is harmful and a violation of their basic human rights. Getting this law passed was a long fight, but well worth it. I appreciate my colleagues support in helping this legislation became law.
I agree that protecting the well-being, dignity, and freedom of minors is vital, but the severe bar this bill creates is not necessary to address the concerns voiced by the bill’s proponents and does not comport with the sensibilities and, in some cases, the religious customs, of the people of this State.
Governor Christie is not alone in opposing a ban on child marriage because of “religious customs.” Earlier this year, Republican controlled state legislatures in both Tennessee and Kentucky killed bills that would ban child marriage. In each case Republican religious conservatives were responsible for blocking legislation that would protect children.
Bottom line: Despite objections from religious conservatives, New Jersey becomes the second state in the union to issue a complete ban on child marriage.
Well done New Jersey, thank you.
