DAVID BATES

Responding to a proposed bill that would raise the minimum age of marriage to 18. Underage marriage was then a serious problem in the United States. Many children, even under 12, were forced into marriage by their parents--usually to older men. At the time, 27 states set no true minimum age for marriage, and nine states set age limits below 16.

Responding to a proposed bill that would raise the minimum age of marriage to 18. Underage marriage was then a serious problem in the United States. Many children, even under 12, were forced into marriage by their parents--usually to older men. At the time, 27 states set no true minimum age for marriage, and nine states set age limits below 16.