State Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, today voted to protect Michigan children by establishing 18 as the minimum age to obtain a marriage license in the state.

Bollin said state law currently allows minors to be married if they have permission from a parent or guardian.

“Our outdated child marriage laws let one parent alone sign away a child, making it easier for people, especially young women, to be mistreated and taken advantage of,” Bollin said. “Safeguarding children is a priority for all of us, regardless of political party. I am proud to support the plan to end child marriage in Michigan.”

House Bills 4293-4302 remove portions of state law that allow any person 16 to 17 years of age to marry with the written permission of only one parent of each underage party. They also eliminate references to underage marriages in other areas of state law.

Bollin noted that she only voted against one of the bills, House Bill 4294 because it includes a provision that would allow only one county to use the 2010 census numbers to establish a fee above $20 for a marriage license.

House Bills 4293-4302 now advance to the Senate for further consideration.

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