Oklahoma passed S.B. 504, banning child marriage by setting 18 as the earliest marriage age. The bill passed the state House 51-36 after unanimous approval in the state Senate and became law on May 13 without Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature. Supporters said the law would reduce physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and domestic slavery affecting child brides who often remain in forced marriages due to limited legal rights. During House debate, some legislators cited the Bible and questioned whether marriage at 17 is always wrong. Others referenced Mary’s marriage in biblical context or argued that the bill should not restrict parents’ rights. One lawmaker also claimed the bill related to socialism, incorrectly defining socialism as government enforcement of laws.
"The measure passed the state House in a 51-36 vote (after passing unanimously in the state Senate) and became law on May 13, without Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt's signature - though his office didn't explain his refusal to sign it. The law establishes 18 as the earliest age at which one can marry in the state."
"Supporters of S.B. 504 said the bill would help end the physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and domestic slavery experienced by child brides who often remain in forced child marriages because they lack the legal rights of adults. Nevertheless, during the hour-long House debate over the bill, state Rep. Jim Olsen (R) asked, "How confident are you that it is always wrong, 100% of the time for 17-year-olds to get married?""
""How old was Mary when she married Joseph?" he added, referencing the Biblical figure for support (though some historic scholars estimate that Mary would likely have been 15 or 16 at the time of her marriage, according to Jewish custom at the time)."
"Fellow state Rep. Justin Humphrey (R) said, "This bill has nothing to do with pedophilia. Do you know what socialism looks like? It's when the government comes in and tells you what you're going to do," he added, incorrectly defining socialism as any system in which the government enforces its laws."
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