2025

“Minimum Age for Marriage Increasing,” The Portugal News, (February 23, 2025). Portugal’s Parliament has approved a law to raise the legal minimum marriage age to 18, aiming to provide stronger protection for children and young people. The new legislation bans child, early, and forced marriages, categorizing them as high-risk situations under child protection laws. Previously, minors could marry at 16 with parental consent. Read more. 

“South Dakota Senate Rejects Bill to Raise Minimum Marriage Age, Advocates Concerned for Youth Safety,” mykxlg.com (February 20, 2025). The South Dakota Senate voted 19-16 against Senate Bill 156, which would have raised the minimum marriage age to 18, closing an exception that currently allows 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. Advocates, including Senator Sydney Davis, expressed concern that the current law leaves minors vulnerable to exploitation, citing over 800 child marriages in the state since 2000.  Supporters vowed to continue advocating for protections against child marriage in future efforts. Read more.

“Utah Legislature Approves Bill Forbidding Minors from Marrying Someone Four Years Older,” Utah News Dispatch (February 20, 2025). The Utah Legislature passed SB76, a bill that decreases the age gap allowed between partners to a marriage from 7 to 4 years, if either partner is a minor. The bill also creates a new 72-hour waiting period between the granting of permission for a minor to marry and the issuance of a marriage license. Despite some debate, the bill received broad support and now awaits Governor Spencer Cox’s signature to become law. Read more.

“Kuwait Raises Minimum Marriage Age to 18,” MSN (February 15, 2025). Kuwait has raised the minimum marriage age to 18, citing high divorce rates among minors and aligning with international child protection standards. The reform aims to safeguard children, reduce divorces, and strengthen family stability. Read more.

“91 Forced Marriage Reports Across Australia Prompt Call for Schools to Take Action,” SBS News (January 31, 2025). In the 2022-23 financial year, the Australian Federal Police received 91 reports of forced marriage. The article emphasizes the need for educational institutions to play a proactive role in identifying and preventing forced marriages, given their unique position to observe early warning signs among students. Read more.