Two senators are proposing legislation that would ban children under age 16 from getting married in Michigan.
Sen. Rick Jones and Sen. Margaret O'Brien say the bill is a result of a news report about a woman who was married at age 14 in West Michigan. The report referenced an 1880 Michigan law that allowed children younger than 16 to get married as long as there was parental consent and judicial approval.
The Senate Bill 1255 would set 16 as the minimum age to marry in Michigan and end any marriages with minors under age 16.
Bill 1256 would require 16 and 17 year-olds to have written permission from both parents to get married.
The bills are expected to be discussed in the Senate Judiciary Committee this Tuesday.
Sen. Rick Jones chairs the committee.
