Arizona has become the latest state to prohibit anyone younger than 16 from getting married. The bill, signed by Governor Doug Ducey Wednesday, also says 16- and 17-year olds can only marry if their partner is no more than three years older and they have their parents’ permission. Similar laws were signed by governors in Kentucky and Florida earlier this year. The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita of Scottsdale. She says it’s intended to prevent abuse and manipulation of minors. About half of U.S. states have a minimum age for marriage. Data from Maricopa County’s court system says that 570 minors were married in just over a five-year period.
