Legislature Passes Bill That Bans Marriage Of Anyone Under 17

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Most child marriages will come to an end under a new bill approved by the state's legislature.

The House voted 109-1 on Friday for the bill, which would prohibit anyone under the age of 17 from getting married.

The measure emerged after a compromise with the Senate, which originally voted to ban marriages of anyone under 18.
The bill says anyone marrying a 17-year-old can't be more than two years older, and minors need parental consent.

Currently, 16- and 17-year-olds can marry with the consent of both sets of parents. If a pregnancy is involved, there's no minimum age for marriage if a judge approves.

Republican Rep. George Moraitis voted no. He said last month during a committee meeting that it's "very reasonable" to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent, regardless of whether the girl is pregnant.