Delaware signs bill to end child marriage

Delaware just signed a bill making them the first state in the nation to end child marriage. 

House Bill 337 will protect children by setting the minimum age to 18 years old.

Before this new law, the court could approve an underage petition from a parent. 

The primary sponsor, Representative Kim Williams tells us this was needed since child marriage leads to life long consequences. They are more likely to drop out of school and become victims of abuse. 

We're told when children marry adults, they don't have any legal standing. They can't file for a divorce or even apply for a loan. 

Delaware is the first state to stop this, but they hope other states will join them.