The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:39 PM
Republican Led TN House Panel Kills Bill To Ban Child Marriage In State
The House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted Wednesday to halt consideration this session of legislation to limit marriage to only people 18 years or older. Republican House Majority Leader Glen Casada requested the delay at the urging of Family Action Council of Tennessee President David Fowler, a lawyer and ex-state senator.
Fowler contended that because the bill deals with marriage licenses, it interferes with his lawsuit.
Democratic bill sponsor Rep. Darren Jernigan of Old Hickory called it disgraceful and said he's embarrassed for Tennessee.
Democratic Senate sponsor Jeff Yarbro has said some girls as young as 10 have married adult men in Tennessee.
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