Whitmer signs final bill raising consent age to 18

LANSING, Mich. (WWMT) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the final bill Wednesday in a package of legislation to protect minors in the state by raising the minimum age of consent for marriage to 18 years old.

The package builds on previous legislation the Whitmer signed earlier this year and makes Michigan the 10th state in the country to ban child marriage, officials said.

I am committed to keeping Michiganders, especially young women, safe and healthy, and today’s bipartisan bill fully implements Michigan’s ban on child marriage,” Whitmer said. “As a county prosecutor, I went after those who used their power to prey on young people, and as governor, I have proudly signed legislation to keep young people safe and protect sexual assault survivors. Together, we can make Michigan a safe, welcoming place where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.”

House Bill 4302 modifies various parts of the Michigan Penal Code to delete any reference to a spouse under age 16.

It brings the code in line with legislation banning child marriage in Michigan, officials said.

“30 years after my own life as a high school girl was cut short, I am proud to see Michigan become the 10th state to ban child marriage,” survivor and advocate Courtney Kosnik said. “The rights of children are not for sale, and the outdated and misguided practice of child marriage will not be tolerated any longer in Michigan. Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to pass laws here in Michigan and in other states. We are not done, and we will fight on to keep children safe from marriage under the age of adulthood.”

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