A win for human rights: DC mayor’s signature is a major step in banning child marriage
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202- 207-2829
Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser for signing the Child Marriage Prohibition Amendment Act of 2024 into law. This important legislation prohibits child marriages in the District of Columbia, ensuring the protection of minors from this harmful practice. The bill will now undergo 30 days of congressional review. If approved by Congress, the District of Columbia will join the 13 U.S. states and two U.S. territories that have already banned child marriage.
As a longstanding advocate for the basic human rights of girls and women worldwide, NCL expresses deep gratitude to Mayor Bowser and Councilmember Pinto for their leadership in addressing this critical issue.
“We’re delighted that Washington, DC is taking a significant stand against child marriage,” said Reid Maki, Director of Child Labor Advocacy at the National Consumers League and Coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition. “This legislation, in a city that has unfortunately seen an increase in child marriages, sets a powerful example for other cities, states, and nations to follow. Ending this practice will protect young girls from the many negative health and social consequences that early marriage brings.”
The decision to protect children from the harmful practice of early marriage is not just a local victory but a beacon of hope for girls around the world. Recent global developments, such as Iraq’s troubling decision to reduce the legal marriage age to just 9, emphasize the urgency of upholding basic human rights for girls and women everywhere.
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
Founded in 1899, the National Consumers League (NCL) is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.
Additional Resources
Forced Marriage Still a Reality in the U.S. (Blog)
Child Marriage Survivors Share Their Stories (Podcast)
Child and Forced Marriage Put the “Lock” in Wedlock (Podcast)
