South Dakota Senate rejects bill that would have changed minimum marriage age

Image courtesy of State of South Dakota

Senate Bill 156 was rejected in South Dakota, a bill that would have raised the minimum marriage age in South Dakota to 18. The Senate voted 19-16 against the bill on Tuesday.

Several citied concerns about parental rights and the potential impact on traditional marriage. Others felt the current law leaves children and young people at risk for exploitation. According to statistics referenced by Republican Senator Tamara Grove, 881 minor girls were married in the state from 2000 to 2023, and there was only one instance of a 17-year-old marrying a 53-year-old.

The vote resulted in a do pass motion but failed with the 19-16 vote against the bill.