Whitmer signs bills to strengthen and implement Michigan’s ban on child marriage – Detroit Free Press
Whitmer signs bills to strengthen and implement Michigan’s ban on child marriage
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a series of bills to strengthen and help implement a ban on child marriage she signed into law in July, Whitmer’s office said Tuesday.
The minimum age to get married in Michigan is 18. Until July, 16- and 17-year-olds could marry with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and probate judges could give permission to those under 16 to marry.
The latest bills Whitmer signed raise the minimum age of consent for marriage to 18, prohibit secret child marriages, and ensure minors who were married before the law was changed would not lose their spousal benefits, her office said in a news release.
“Keeping Michiganders safe and healthy is one of my top priorities, and today’s bipartisan bills will build on our efforts to protect young people — especially young women — from abuse,” Whitmer said in the release.
Whitmer said she will sign one additional bill that is part of the package as soon as it is presented to her. House Bill 4302 modifies references to married minors in the Michigan penal code.