Webinar for Officiants
Spotting Signs of Forced & Child Marriage & Human Trafficking – The Role of Marriage Officiants in the United States
Webinar: April 7, 2020, 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST
The first-of-its-kind training for officiants to recognize marriages where there are victims. Marriage officiants are on the front lines of child marriage, forced marriage and human trafficking. Learn the signs, and know what to do if encountered. Learn more and register for our webinar.
NH lay officiant bill fiscally flawed
Ways and Means Committee Hearing
JPus continued its opposition New Hampshire’s House Bill 1599, which would permit special marriage officiants. The House Ways and Means Committee will consider testimony on the bill on March 4, 2020. As a result, JPus presented testimony to all members of the Committee. Read more.
Maine raises age to wed
Children must be 16 to marry in Maine
Not quite what we were hoping for, but a step in the right direction. The minimum age to marry in Maine is now 16. Prior to this new law going into effect on January 1, 2020, any child, no matter how young, was allowed to marry if their parent and a probate judge approved.
- Read more about JPus’ work to end child marriage
- Stay current with other changes to marriage laws
MA – Call to Action
End Child Marriage in Massachusetts – Call to Action
Last summer’s bill to end child marriage is now in the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. Follow our step-by-step guide to contact your legislators and let them know why you oppose child marriage.
Read more about it here.
Support to End Child Marriage – NH
18 to Wed – No exceptions
The Justice of the Peace Association submitted written testimony in support of HB 1516. The bill would end all marriages in the state of New Hampshire for anyone younger than 18. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 1:30. See JPus’ statement and read more about our work to end child marriage.