(Pierre, SD) — Lawmakers are taking the first step with a bill that would end child marriage in South Dakota. Senate Bill 156, which would increase the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18, was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. Republican Senator Sydney Davis introduced the legislation. South Dakota’s existing law allows the marriage of a person between the ages of 16 and 18 as long as one of their parents or guardians signs for consent. Supporters and opponents testified before the committee voted 4-2 to clear the bill. Some advocates included survivors of child marriages, while opponents argued it would be unfair to true couples who may have had an unplanned pregnancy and deserve parental rights. The bill now goes to the Senate floor.
