Oklahoma could be the next state to end child marriage!
Senate Bill 504 unanimously passed the Senate and is headed to the House. Enacting this ban will make Oklahoma the 16th state to completely ban child marriage by raising the marriage age to 18 with no exceptions. This bill needs your support to get to the governor’s desk for a signature, so please act today!
SB 504 corrects the current loophole that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. This parental consent loophole has historically left young people, particularly young girls, vulnerable to forced marriage. In a cruel and ironic twist, these minors can become trapped in abusive relationships they cannot legally exit, as they are often deemed “too young” to file for divorce. By closing this loophole, Oklahoma will be putting the rights of minors before legal protections for religious child abusers, who justify their abuse through marriage. While plenty of states have adopted more reasonable, sensible practices to put a stop to this horrific practice, Oklahoma has yet to join the growing number of states that truly protect children.
This is why we’re calling on you to help this bill become law! Please contact your representative today, and urge them to vote “YES” on SB 504! We have included suggested language through the “Take Action” button that can be edited by clicking or tapping on the pencil icon. The best way to get lawmakers’ attention is to share your personal perspective, so please take the time to share your own story if you can.
Additionally, after sending the emails, you will be prompted to call lawmakers as well — even leaving a phone message shows your dedication to the cause! For best results, please be succinct and polite.
(Note: You must live in Oklahoma in order to take part in this action alert.)