36 Oklahoma Republicans vote against child marriage ban

Oklahoma banned marriage for anyone under 18 after Senate Bill 504 passed the state Senate unanimously and the House by a 51-36 vote. The bill became law on 13 May without Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature. Supporters said the change prevents exploitation and abuse of minors by closing loopholes that previously allowed child marriages, especially involving young girls. Democratic lawmakers described child marriage as a loophole enabling adults to have sex with minors and said marriage should wait until adulthood. Some Republican lawmakers opposed the measure using religious references and parental rights arguments. Advocacy data reported more than 3,400 minors were married in Oklahoma from 2000 to 2021, mostly girls marrying adult men. Oklahoma joined 17 other states with full bans.

"Senate Bill 504, which passed the state Senate unanimously before clearing the House in a 51-36 vote, became law on 13 May without the signature of Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. Stitt's office has not explained why the Governor did not sign the bill."

"Supporters of the legislation argued the law would help prevent the exploitation and abuse of minors, particularly young girls, by closing loopholes that previously allowed child marriages in the state. Democratic State Rep. Andy Fugate, who introduced the bill, described child marriage as a loophole that enabled "adults to have sex with minors," while fellow Democratic state Rep. Cyndi Munson argued: "Marriage should wait until adulthood, and we don't want to exploit children - especially young girls.""

"Several Republican lawmakers opposed the bill using religious or parental rights arguments. State Rep. Jim Olsen referenced the biblical marriage of Mary and Joseph during debate, saying, "How confident are you that it is always wrong, 100% of the time, for 17-year-olds to get married? How old was Mary when she married Joseph?""

"According to advocacy group Unchained At Last, more than 3,400 minors were married in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2021. The organisation says most of those involved were girls marrying adult men. Oklahoma now joins 17 US states that have fully banned marr"

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