A Complex Choice: Examining Colorado’s Bill to End Child Marriage.
*Content Note: This post contains discussions about child marriage and sexual exploitation. Please read with care and prioritize your well-being.
Colorado law currently allows 16- and 17- year-olds to marry with a judge’s approval. Senate Bill 26-048 proposes removing this exception and establishing 18 as the uniform minimum marriage age. While the bill passed its first committee hearing on a 3-2 party-line vote, it has sparked a complex debate that goes beyond simple partisan lines, forcing lawmakers and advocates to weigh child protection against potential unintended consequences (Colorado General Assembly, 2026).
