Gov. Cuomo signs law outlawing child marriage in New York

In New York state, a law that allowed teens as young as 14 years old to get married existed for nearly 90 years. On June 20, however, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that raised the age of consent to 18.

The new law will also require parental and judicial consent for marriages of 17- and 18-year-olds.

The legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) and state Sen. Andrew J. Lanza (R-Staten Island), received support from Cuomo and various other organizations across the city — such as the National Organization for Women in NYC, the Women for Afghan Women and the Center for the Women of New York.

“This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages,” Cuomo said, “and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York, once and for all.”

Read more: http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2017/26/childmarriage_2017_06_30_q.html