DOVER, Del. (AP) - Democrats have pushed a bill banning marriage involving minors through Delaware’s House of Representatives.
The Delaware State News reports that the bill was approved 23-11 on Thursday, over the objection of Republicans, who had asked the main sponsor to hold the bill so a compromise could be reached.
The bill that now goes to the Senate would completely ban marriages involving anyone under 18. State law currently allows minors who receive special dispensation from a Family Court judge to wed.
Republican Rep. Mike Ramone said the outright ban could affect “a lot of happy environments with families’ blessings.” Democratic Rep. Kim Williams refused to table the bill, saying she had made a commitment to protect Delaware’s children.
Democratic Gov. John Carney’s office has not stated a position on the bill.
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Information from: Delaware State News, http://delawarestatenews.net
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