Colorado's Child Marriage Loophole: A Hidden Crisis

In Colorado, a disturbing practice continues to harm young girls. A legal loophole allows 16- and 17-year-olds to be married off, often to much older men. This isn't just a rare occurrence; thousands of minors have been married under this law in recent years. The majority of these minors are girls, and they are often forced into marriage against their will. The loophole also creates a dangerous workaround for statutory rape laws. If a perpetrator marries the teen, they can avoid felony sexual assault charges. This means that between 2000 and 2021, around 90 to 120 would-be child rapists were granted a free pass. In 2023 alone, 17 minors were married under Colorado's current laws. The process for judicial review of these marriages does not protect teens from forced marriage. Imagine a terrified 17-year-old trying to explain their situation to a court, knowing that they could face severe punishment at home if they speak out. The system is stacked against them.Marriage before 18 is recognized globally as a human rights abuse. It harms girls' health, education, and economic opportunities, and violates their sexual and reproductive rights. Colorado's laws also enable the trafficking of minors under the guise of marriage. Girls as young as 16 can be forced into marriage overseas, or men can import child brides into Colorado. Despite this, some progressive groups in Colorado are opposing legislation to ban child marriage. They argue that it would take away a girl's "right" to be abused. This is a shocking position, especially considering that nearly every other U. S. state has banned child marriage. The reality is that underage girls do not have a "right to marry. " The United Nations considers all marriage before age 18 to be forced, as minors lack the rights needed to give full, free consent. Banning child marriage does not undermine reproductive rights. A girl cannot wait until 18 to get an abortion, but she can wait until 18 to get married. No girl should be forced into parenthood, and no girl should be forced into marriage. It's time for Colorado to close this loophole and protect its young people.