Advocates Push to End Child Marriage in Kentucky as Loopholes Persist

KENTUCKY – Advocates are raising fresh concerns about child marriage in Kentucky, pointing to data that shows minors continue to marry despite a 2018 law designed to prevent the practice.

Loopholes in the 2018 Law

The law, passed in 2018, set the minimum marriage age at 17 with parental consent and required no more than a four-year age gap between spouses. At the time, lawmakers described it as a step forward in protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.

But recent data reveals the law is not being consistently followed. Records show 141 minors have married since the law took effect, including eight 16-year-olds, with 19 marriages not in compliance with the statutes. In one case last year, a marriage took place between a 17-year-old and a 27-year-old, according to a report highlighting child marriage loopholes in Kentucky.

Calls for Stronger Legislation

State Senator Julie Raque Adams, a Republican who co-sponsored the 2018 law, acknowledged the gaps in enforcement and pledged to push for new legislation in 2026.

“Laws are only as good as the paper that they’re written on,” Adams said. “It means that it’s time for some new laws to be written in 2026, when we go back into session.”

Advocates say the current system still leaves minors vulnerable to coercion and abuse, particularly in situations where parental consent may be pressured or where courts fail to fully review cases.

National Spotlight on Child Marriage

Kentucky is not alone in facing pressure to reform its marriage laws. Across the country, child marriage has been increasingly recognized as a human rights issue, with critics noting it can lead to higher rates of domestic violence, limited educational opportunities, and long-term poverty for survivors.

More than 20 states still allow exceptions that permit minors under 18 to marry. Advocates argue that setting the minimum marriage age at 18 with no exceptions is the only way to fully protect children.

The debate over Kentucky’s child marriage laws is expected to intensify as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 legislative session. For now, advocates say they will continue pushing for reforms to ensure no child is put at risk through loopholes in the law.