Colombia’s congress has voted to change an outdated law that allowed minors to marry with parental consent.
Under the current civil code, girls as young as 14 can get married if their parents agree. But this is about to change—the new proposal sets the minimum age for marriage at 18, aiming to protect the rights and development of minors. However, before it officially becomes law, it still needs the signature of President Gustavo Petro.
The push to end child marriage in Colombia gained momentum in 2023 with the slogan “They’re girls, not wives.” Congresswoman Clara López Obregón, a key supporter of the proposal, celebrated its approval, saying, “Minors are not sexual objects; they’re girls.”
While child marriage is declining worldwide, it remains a significant issue in many regions. According to UNICEF, poverty is a major driver of child marriage in Latin America, forcing many young girls into unions they aren’t ready for. These marriages often expose them to emotional and physical abuse and rob them of opportunities for education and personal growth.
This law marks an important step toward giving Colombia’s youth the chance to thrive without being weighed down by the pressures and risks of early marriage.
