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Idaho Lawmakers Seek To Set Minimum Marriage Age At 16

court, courtroom, judge
Clyde Robinson
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Idaho may soon increase the minimum age that a person can get married in our state.

Currently, children under the age of 16 can get married in Idaho with a judge's sign-off. Sixteen and 17-year-olds just need parental consent to get married underage. Critics say that allows young people to get taken advantage of, sometimes even abused. Idaho lawmakers are trying to change this law. But it's not the first time the legislature has tried to reform marriage code for minors.

 

Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) joins Idaho Matters to talk about trying to change the law last session, what she’s learned from the failure, and what she thinks about this year’s bill from her Republican colleagues. 

 

Note: We invited current bill sponsor Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls) but she was unable to join us. 

 

Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet @KBSX915 using #IdahoMatters

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Hi! I’m Gemma Gaudette, the host of the award-winning show, Idaho Matters. During the day you’ll find me researching and writing about all the fascinating topics we tackle on our show. And of course, at noon, each weekday you’ll find me live behind the microphone as Idaho Matters airs.

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