On Tuesday, a bill raising the age limit of when a teen is allowed to marry in Kentucky cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The measure sets the minimum age for marriage in Kentucky at age 18. If the girl is pregnant, though, the current law has no age restrictions.
Donna Pollard, who testified earlier to the committee about her marriage while underage, says it has led to minors being married to men in their 30s, 40s, and one case to a 72-year-old man in Kentucky during the past year, reported Kentucky Today.
There are exceptions in the bill; such as a judge can approve a marriage once a person turns 17-years old.
Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, the Judiciary Committee chairman said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, wrote a bill that does exactly what they needed to achieve; make sure the parents are involved in the process, but most importantly ensure the child is safe.
The bill now heads to the House for consideration.
(Photo courtesy of Kentucky Today)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
