VIEWPOINT | Protect South Dakota kids by ending child marriage

Guest column by Reps. Becky Drury & Kadyn Wittman

The fight against sex trafficking has gained significant attention worldwide, and South Dakota is not immune to this pressing issue that affects our vulnerable youth. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, a bill is being introduced to raise the legal age of marriage to 18 in our state. The current legal age, set at 16 with parental consent, while seemingly reasonable, opens the door for potential abuse and exploitation of our most vulnerable community members: our children.

The correlation between early marriage and an increased risk of exploitation is well-documented. Sex traffickers are adept at manipulating vulnerable individuals, and teens may find themselves coerced or forced into marriages that serve as a front for trafficking operations. By raising the age of marriage to 18, we aim to create a protective barrier, limiting avenues for traffickers seeking to exploit young individuals through forced marriages.

The proposed bill is not about restricting personal freedoms, it is about safeguarding the well-being of our kids. Right now, minors facing forced marriages encounter multiple hurdles when trying to get out of such situations. Leaving isn't a practical choice because minors who do so are considered runaways and can be taken into custody. Even if a minor manages to escape without getting caught, they often have nowhere to go since domestic violence shelters usually turn away unaccompanied minors. On top of that, the legal system adds more difficulties for minors, as they can't take legal actions in their own name. This leaves them without proper legal representation. Raising the marriage age to 18 is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable minors, ensuring their safety, and giving them the legal capacity to navigate such tough situations effectively.

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