New York, the fourth most populous state in America, has updated antiquated legislation to outlaw children as young as 14 from getting married.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed legislation on Tuesday June 20,2017 raising the age of consent to marry from 14 to 18 years old, with a caveat that 17-year-olds wishing to marry must get approval from their parents and a judge.
"This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages, and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York once and for all," he said.
Until Tuesday, children as young as 14 could get married with parental permission and written consent from a judge. More than 3,800 minors were married in New York between 2000 and 2010, Cuomo's office said.
Those under 17 are now prohibited from marriage. Judges must ensure any 17-year-olds wishing to wed are not being coerced against their will and that the marriage will not endanger their mental, emotional, or physical well-being.
Heather Barr, senior researcher on women's rights at Human Rights Watch, called on dozens of other US states to follow New York's example
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