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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas lawmakers have given final approval to legislation raising the minimum marriage age to 17, ending a provision that allowed some younger children to wed.
The Senate unanimously approved the measure, sending it to Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s desk.
Arkansas law currently allows boys aged 17 and girls aged 16 to marry if they have their parents’ or guardians’ consent. The law currently sets no minimum age to marry if the female is pregnant and a judge approves. The bill approved Thursday sets the minimum age for both at 17, but requires parental consent at that age.
