New Legislation Could Put an End to Child Marriage in Michigan

There is currently no age limit in Michigan when it comes to tying the knot. New legislation being introduced could put an end to child marriages, raising the minimum age to 18.

Child Marriage in Michigan Statistics

In 2022, Human Rights Watch gave Michigan a failing grade when it comes to protecting the rights of children, in part due to our lax laws regarding child marriage.

Under current Michigan law, there is no legal age limit for getting married. Boys and girls who are 16 or 17 years of age can legally marry if they obtain permission and a signature from a parent. Children younger than 16 can legally tie the knot with a judge's signature.

According to Mlive, more than 5,400 minors were married in the 11-year period between 2000 and 2021 in Michigan. Among that group were 11 children who were 15 years old and one minor who was 14. According to state records, 90 percent of those teenagers who got married were girls.

Michigan Lawmakers Attempt to Effect Change

State Representative Kara Hope helped introduce a bill in 2021 that would end the practice. However, that measure stalled.

In 2018, State Senator Sarah Anthony introduced legislation that would put an end to teens in Michigan being able to say "I do."

Today, Anthony is renewing her push for change, noting that the measure could have a better chance of passing now that Michigan's legislature has Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate.

Group Hopes to End Child Marriage

Fraidy Reiss is the founder and executive director of Unchained at Last, an organization dedicated to putting an end to child marriages. She says part of the problem lies in the fact that people under 18 are not able to legally sign contracts.

“A child who tries to retain an attorney, she’s almost certainly not going to be able to do so, because contracts with minors in Michigan are voidable,” Reiss said. “Perhaps most shockingly, because minors cannot bring a legal action in their own name, they’re not even allowed to seek an annulment independently.”

Check Out the Harper House, a Rare Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Michigan

The Harper House is a stunning home with an incredible view of Lake Michigan. It's believed to be one of just a few Michigan homes designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

There are conflicting accounts of the home's age online; it was either built in 1950 or 1959. If the latter is true, this would make it the last home in Michigan to be designed by Wright.

According to the listing, it features Tidewater Cypress and Chicago Common Brick, mitered glass corners, several pieces of built-in furniture, cedar-lined closets, and more. It is simply breathtaking.

The property is reputed to rarely go on the market, but it was just listed for sale by by Anne Gain of @Properties.