Assemblyman Al Stirpe issued a statement on the passage of A5524-B, ending child marriage.
“Some of the most important legislation I work on protects our children. While a 14-year-old would be considered a child in most regards, they’re still shockingly allowed to marry in New York State. Unfortunately, these marriages are usually forced on them by their parents or family members.
“Between 2000 and 2010, nearly 3,900 marriages took place involving minors in New York State, with 40 of those including 14- and 15-year-olds.[1] Most of these were girls who married older men. But today, the Assembly stood up and said no more by passing legislation, which I co-sponsored, that puts an end to child marriage (A.5524-B).
“Girls who are married before the age of 18 are three times more likely to be victims of domestic abuse than women who marry after 21.[2] Early marriage prevents girls from pursuing their educational and career goals. This is not what marriage should be, and it’s not a way to start a family. Our kids should be kids, not husbands and wives, and I’ll always do everything I can to protect the girls and boys of this state from being exploited.”