State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, has a history of protecting children through state legislation, passing bills requiring disclosure of anyone who knows of sexual assault and protecting children against sexual predators.

Now, Benacquisto wants to ban child marriage, protecting those under 18 who may be forced into marriage or sold into marriage and being abused through these unions. Benacquisto has filed a bill, along with Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, which closes all existing loopholes that have allowed for children ages 16 to 17 to be married. The bill removes parental consent, pregnancy, the death of both parents and judicial approval as ways for a child to marry.

Marriage bill important for child’s protection – NewsPress