MADISON – Today, Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), Representative Ann Roe (D-Janesville), Representative Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit), and Representative Brienne Brown (D-Whitewater) introduced legislation toend child marriages in Wisconsin in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Janesville and other Wisconsin Zonta clubs.
Senator Mark Spreitzer:
“I am proud to once again introduce legislation to end child marriage in Wisconsin. The data is clear: the marriages this bill would outlaw are overwhelmingly between minor children and adults, with the vast majority involving minor brides marrying adult men, and research shows that child marriages have higher rates of domestic violence. I deeply appreciate the Zonta Club of Janesville and Zonta Clubs across Wisconsin for their partnership and ongoing advocacy to end child marriage in our state.”
Representative Ann Roe:
“Banning child marriage in Wisconsin is long overdue – sixteen other states have already taken this important step. If passed, this bill will finally bring Wisconsin’s laws in line with today’s standards by ending an outdated and often exploitative loophole. This bill will protect young people and give them the opportunity to build safe, healthy futures. I hope the majority party will take up this critical legislation this session.”
Representative Clinton Anderson:
“This bill is simple. If you are a child, you cannot get married. I’ve spent years working with children and the data shows most child marriages involve adults marrying minors. We have a responsibility to protect kids from exploitation and ensure they have the chance to grow up safely.”
Representative Brienne Brown:
“This legislation closes a loophole that allows minors to be married before they can legally vote or even graduate high school. No child should be coerced into a binding relationship with no legal way out. It’s time for Wisconsin to move forward into the 21st century. Children deserve protection, education, and opportunity – not a marriage license. This bill is about safeguarding their futures and affirming that childhood is not up for negotiation.”
Cathy Myers, Zonta Club of Janesville Advocacy Chair and Zonta Area 2 Director:
“I am proud that we have so many lawmakers in Wisconsin that care about children, and want to protect them from predators who would lure them into marriage. It comes down to what kind of place we want to live in: Do we want to live in a state where we protect children? We should join the 16 other states that have taken this step to end child marriage.”
