TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas' governor signed a measure Wednesday setting 15 as the minimum marriage age, prompted by the case of a pregnant 14-year-old from Nebraska who came to the state to marry her 22-year-old boyfriend.

"We have a responsibility to protect young Kansans from harm, and we have a duty to prevent abusers from using marriage as a way to conceal their abuse," Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday.

The law takes effect July 1.

Kansas had no minimum marriage age if the minor had parental or judicial approval. Under the new law, a 15-year-old will be able to marry only if a district judge decides it is in the minor's best interest.

Those 16 or 17 can marry if they meet conditions including the consent of parents, legal guardians or a judge. Those 18 and older won't need permission.

The Nebraska girl's mother gave permission for the couple to marry in Kansas last spring after learning her daughter was pregnant.

The groom, Matthew Koso, was charged with sexual assault and sentenced in February to 18 to 30 months in prison.

Those hicks start early I guess.. But c'mon.. 15 WTF.. hope they have a good prenup!

I read some states permit 12 year olds to marry, and they aren't even down south!!!

it's ridiculous. when i was 15, i was out working, playing hockey, focusin on school. but a marriage partner? i could barely keep a boyfriend will all my stuff that i had going on!

in utah, i forget the city, the polygamists start pretty young if i remember correctly, but it's still not even legal, and shouldn't ever be. i feel bad for anyone that is married that young!

I agree, just cuz a child is able to bear children at an earlier time(cuz of all the dang hormones in our food),lol, it don't mean she has the mental stability to care for children. It's crazy.

quote:

Originally posted by LISAJUNKIEE:
I read some states permit 12 year olds to marry, and they aren't even down south!!!

yikes....

sounds like deliverance....

lol, sounds like a third world country!! lol