Despite widespread belief that child marriage has been outlawed, children are still permitted to marry in parts of the United States due to a patchwork of state laws and political resistance.
Advocates say the persistence of these statutes stems from zealots on both the left and right who continue to block reform efforts.
The practice remains legal in several states, often requiring only parental consent or a judicial waiver, leaving thousands of minors vulnerable each year.
The issue resurfaced in recent reporting by the New York Times Top Stories.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing