New York formally lifted the state law that allowed legally to marry at 14.
In June, the Democrat-led state Assembly and Senate, led by Republicans, approved a bill that increases the age of marriage. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed it into law on Tuesday.
«This is an important step forward in our efforts to protect children and to prevent forced marriage,» said Cuomo.
Only two States left the US now, among those that do allow children under 14 years old to marry with parental and/or judicial consent. It’s Alaska and North Carolina.
Child advocates say that child marriage can become a «trap» for minors and can lead to sexual violence and domestic violence.
The bill, signed by Governor Cuomo that prohibits marriage for persons under the age of 17. For marriage at the age of 17 to 18 years old will need the permission of the court.
