Legislation outlawing child marriages in Michigan is a step closer to becoming law.
Senate Bills 1255 and 1256 were passed unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
The legislation would set the age limit for marriage in Michigan at 18.
The bills sponsored by Senators Rick Jones of Grand Ledge and Margaret O'Brien of Portage were inspired by a TV report that found that with approval from parents and judges, girls as young as 14 were getting married.
In their original forms, the bills set the age limit for marriage at 16, with parental approval, the same as Michigan's legal age of consent.
But child marriage opponents pointed out it is difficult for someone under the age of 18 to take legal action to get a divorce. Under amendments added to the bills Tuesday, the minimum age to marry would be 18.
The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.
