Governor Mike Parson of Missouri signed a new law that bans marriage under the age of 16, and those 21 years or older cannot marriage anyone under the age of 18. Prior to the introduction of this law, minors could obtain a marriage license at any age by seeking a court order. According to data collected by the Tahirih Justice Center, Missouri had one of the highest rates of child marriage in the United States.
Tahirih in the News
Missouri is Known as a Haven for Child Marriages. A New Law Aims to Change That.
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Survivor Voices
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Anastasia
I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2006. Life back home in Mexico was tough for me and my family. I dreamt of going to college and graduating but with my family’s economic status, that dream was too costly and impossible.
At least I was able to graduate high school and that is something I am proud of since I was also working at the time to help my family. I was always looking for an opportunity to have a better life as a young woman.June 23, 2023 -
Camila
“I hope my story is helpful to someone else…and can inspire many women to be stronger. We need to help young women identify toxic relationships, so that there are fewer Camilas that go through such difficult things, let alone have our children suffer.”
November 21, 2022
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