CHS senior draws statewide attention to child marriage – Coeur d’Alene Press

Idaho has the highest rate in the nation of wedded minors

It’s no longer the Wild West.

Idaho isn’t a foreign country with an uncaring government.

So why is child marriage still an issue in this state?

“As someone who could possibly be married right now, this directly affects me,” said 17-year-old Gracie Messier of Coeur d’Alene. “This is something that affects me, but still I don’t have a say about it.

“I can’t book a hotel room, but I can get married. There’s so many things you can do when you turn 18, but you can get married before 18. That’s crazy.”

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