CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A bill that would ban child marriages in Nevada has inched one step closer to becoming law.
The legislation passed the Assembly on Tuesday in a 32-8 vote. Current state law allows children between 16 and 18 years old to marry if they receive the approval of either parent or a legal guardian.
Children under 16 years old can also marry in Nevada under current state law. Statute stipulates that those marriages can be approved by a district court "in extraordinary circumstances" and if the child receives consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod says a child often sees lifelong negative consequences when they marry under 18 years old. She says child marriage can lead to family instability, domestic abuse and mental health needs.
