Vermont – End Child Marriage

Currently, 16 and 17 year olds may marry in the state of Vermont.  As an active member of the Vermont Coalition to End Child Marriage, the Justice of the Peace Association partners with allies to change the law and make 18 the minimum age to wed. 

Legislative Activity

2023

This year Representative Carol Ode will again introduce legislation to end child marriage in the state with a no-exceptions platform.

2022

• Representative Carol Ode was the lead sponsor of the bill H.631 an Act to Ban Child Marriage. Vermont members joined JPus to ask their Representatives to co-sponsor and support the bill. Unfortunately the bill died before progressing out of Committee.

Testimony

JPus submitted testimony to support efforts to end child marriage in the state.

• On January 28 2022, JPus submitted written testimony to for the House Committee on Judiciary.

Get Involved

On January 25, 2023, JPus is co-hosting a workshop with Vermont partners about child marriage in the state. More information and how to register for the online course.

In 2022, JPus members asked legislators to support H.631 an Act to Ban Child Marriage. Vermont residents were able to follow a link to submit a letter of support – easy-peasy. Our partner, Unchained at Last, sponsored the letter campaign.

Related Links

• See the learning objectives and register for our January 25, 2023 workshop about child marriage
• Take JPus’ training for marriage officiants about child and forced marriage.
• Read about JPus’ efforts to end child marriage in all of the states we serve.
• Learn about JPus members’ vote to join the Coalition to End Child Marriage.
• Learn more about our partners, Unchained at Last and Tahirih Justice Center, in the fight against child marriage