The Senate Judiciary Committee today passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) that would close loopholes allowing child marriage to occur in Pennsylvania.
Langerholc said Senate Bill 81 would eliminate all legal exceptions that allow for the marriages of children under the age of 18. He added that Pennsylvania is currently one of 18 states that does not specify a minimum age at which a person can be married.
“Child marriage is abuse. These children have been lost in the dark and it’s about time we found them,” Langerholc said. “As a father to three girls it is unfathomable to me that this law exists. This bill will change that and will ensure these children’s lives aren’t damaged by such a major decision at a young age.”
The bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
Contact: Gwenn Dando gdando@pasen.gov 717-787-6639