Right now Tennessee is one of the few remaining states where children under the age of 18 can get legally married. Here, however, it is technically legal for a child of any age to be wed. But does this happen?
Since 2000, at least 9,000 weddings have involved an underage bride or groom. At least three times included a 10-year-old girl being married.
When Democratic lawmakers wanted to vote on a bill to change this practice, House Republicans moved to table the bill for discussion over the summer. Experts say that when this happens on a bill, it is very unlikely it will ever see a vote.
Currently Tennessee House Majority Leader Glen Casada has reversed this decision after mounting pressure and says the bill will be discussed soon. However, this is not good enough: Sen. Casada must vow to push the bill to the House floor for a vote!
Tell Sen. Casada you support a vote on the child-bride bill by adding your name to this petition. Please don't forget to share this with friends, family and on social media to help get the word out!