Hidalgo state congress approves anti-child marriage bill
According to Mexico's national statistics agency, 1 out of every 5 Mexican women get married before the age of 18.
The Congress of the state of Hidalgo voted unanimously to pass a bill that officially bans child marriages in the state.
María Luisa Pérez Perisquia, a state senator and the president of the Board of Governors, presented the bill, which she called the Family Protection Law and Family Procedures Code and officially outlaws underage marriages.
While presenting the bill, the lawmaker said that child marriages are a harmful practice that severely affect the physical and mental health of children. And furthermore, she said that international organizations have put pressure on Mexico to pass legislation that ensures the protection and well-being of boys, girls and adolescents.
According to Mexico's national statistics agency, 1 out of every 5 women in the country marry before the age of 18. Thanks to the new law, only those over the age of 18 can apply for a marriage certificate.
Prior to the passing of this bill, those under the age of 18 were allowed to get married with the consent of their parents or guardians.
María Luisa Pérez conclucded by saying that these recent efforts are aimed at erradicating child marriages in the age and complying with the UN's 2030 goals.