Marriage

Currently, minors 16 and 17 can get married with parental consent. Proposed legislation would make the marriage age 18 with no exceptions.

A state law that has been around since the 1970s and was last amended in 2016 lists pregnancy as a barrier for finalizing divorce. HB 2402 would clarify that language to specify that pregnancy status shall not stop the court from finalizing dissolution of marriage or legal separation.

Under current Missouri law, 16- and 17-year-olds are allowed to get married with parental permission to anyone under the age of 21.

The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch gave Missouri an "F" grade for its compliance with international child rights standards. Missouri still allows 16-year-olds to be married, and allows corporal punishment in public and private schools.

“Better Marriages,” an organization dedicated to promoting healthy relationships, works to provide opportunities and resources for couples to achieve…

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Aug. 16, 2010 - Under the separation of powers of the U.S. Constitution, activities not enumerated…

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Dec. 16, 2009 - Time was, getting down on one knee was all a fellow had to do before popping the…