New Hampshire allows military 17-year-olds to marry

New Hampshire lawmakers have voted to change the state's child marriage laws. They want to allow 17-year-olds in the military to marry. This vote came just a few months after the state banned child marriage for anyone under 18. The New Hampshire House approved the new amendment by a narrow margin of 193 to 178. Most of the support came from the Republican Party, while some Republicans and most Democrats opposed it. Critics worry the amendment could lead to exploitation because it does not set an age limit for the other spouse. In June 2024, New Hampshire banned child marriage entirely. The new law took effect on January 1, 2025. The latest amendment allows active military members who are 17 to marry, which supporters say helps military families. Representative Debra DeSimone, who backed the amendment, noted that military families often move frequently. She believes this could help them access housing and other benefits. Representative Cassandra Levesque, who worked for the initial ban on child marriage, spoke out against the amendment. She argued it could allow adults of any age to marry minors in the military and expressed concern for children's welfare. Some advocates for women’s rights also criticized the change, saying it threatens progress made against child marriage. They argue that minors need protection from potential abuse, regardless of the situation. The amendment will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration. It is uncertain whether it will be approved there.