Relating To Marriage Of Minors.
This legislation entails significant amendments to the existing Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically eliminating the provisions that permitted legal guardians or family courts to consent to marriages involving minors. By default, it prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from entering into marriages, which means that the state will no longer allow a minor to marry under any circumstances. Additionally, the legislation aims to address the existing discrepancies in law that previously allowed for minors to marry while also being subjected to laws against sexual activity with minors.
SB528 aims to address and abolish child marriage in Hawaii by raising the minimum age for marriage from sixteen to eighteen years old. The bill responds to a growing recognition both nationally and internationally that child marriage constitutes a serious human rights violation and hinders social and economic growth. By aligning with global initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, the legislation seeks to promote gender equality and protect minors from coercion and exploitation.
Key points of contention surrounding SB528 include the implications it has on existing norms and practices regarding family rights. While proponents argue that the bill protects young individuals from potential abuses linked to early marriages, including coerced unions due to pregnancies or parental pressures, opposition may arise from groups that believe in maintaining certain familial autonomy in decisions related to marriage. There may also be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation and enforcement of the new legal standards across the state's judiciary and administrative systems.