End Child Marriage in Massachusetts

WE DID IT! 

The wording in the law signed by Governor Baker in July 2022, effective immediately:

SECTION 81.  Chapter 207 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 7, as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-Section 7.  A magistrate or minister shall not solemnize a marriage if a party to the intended marriage is under the age of 18.

SECTION 82.  Said chapter 207 is hereby further amended by striking out section 24, as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 24.  The clerk or registrar shall not receive a notice of the intention of marriage of a person under the age of 18.

SECTION 83.  Said chapter 207 is hereby further amended by striking out section 25, as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 25.  Notwithstanding sections 7, 24 and 33A or any other general or special law to the contrary, any minor who is married may avail themself of all legal remedies and relief that would otherwise be available if they were not a minor, in order to initiate proceedings for divorce under chapter 208, annulment under chapter 207 and protective orders under chapters 209A and 258E.