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Missouri Moves to Ban Child Marriage Under 18

4/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Missouri lawmakers are taking a bold step to protect the rights of children by advancing a bill that bans child marriage for anyone under 18. Currently, teens aged 16 and 17 can marry with parental consent, but Sen. Tracy McCreery's legislation seeks to eliminate this loophole, focusing on preventing exploitation and enhancing safety for newborns and victims of child sexual abuse.

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Story summary

Missouri lawmakers are taking a bold step to protect the rights of children by advancing a bill that bans child marriage for anyone under 18. Currently, teens aged 16 and 17 can marry with parental consent, but Sen. Tracy McCreery's legislation seeks to eliminate this loophole, focusing on preventing exploitation and enhancing safety for newborns and victims of child sexual abuse.