Hamilton Bill Ending Child Marriage Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 504 by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, became law this week, officially prohibiting marriage in the state of Oklahoma before the age of 18.

The measure removes existing exceptions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent or court authorization.

“This bill becoming law represents the culmination of significant effort on an issue that has been deeply important to me personally, as well as to many others who have worked tirelessly to see it through,” Hamilton said. “Enacting these provisions is critical as it directly impacts hundreds of children—most of them young girls—whose protections under the law are now strengthened.”

Hamilton stated the bill not only protects minors from unwanted or forceful marriage but will assist efforts to prevent child trafficking and exploitation.

“Oklahoma children must be able to grow up free from coercion and exploitation, and it is our duty to guarantee those protections are enacted and enforced. This new law closes dangerous avenues for exploitation and ensures that no minor, even those who are close to adulthood, is placed in a marriage that puts their safety or well-being at risk,” Hamilton said.

“Furthermore, SB 504 strengthens the dignity of marriage, acknowledging the self-evident truth that a person should reach the age of majority, legally an adult, before they’re allowed to enter into a lifetime covenant,” Hamilton added.

SB 504 was carried in the House of Representatives by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond.

“Marriage carries lifelong legal, financial and emotional responsibilities, and children are simply not equipped to shoulder that kind of commitment,” Miller said. “Oklahoma has a responsibility to protect children and make sure they have the opportunity to reach adulthood before making decisions that will shape the rest of their lives. I’m appreciative to have had the opportunity to have worked alongside Sen. Warren Hamilton to get this bill across the finish line, and I’m glad to see it become law.”

The provisions of SB 504 will officially take effect Nov. 1. Once effective, Oklahoma will join more than a dozen states that have permanently ended minor marriage.

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For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.