The Colombian Parliament adopted a law on Wednesday, November 13, prohibiting the marriage of minors under the age of 18, in one of the South American countries that has so far been the most lax in this area.
“The plenary assembly approves the bill, we are all happy”exclaimed Senate President Efrain Cepeda, a member of the Conservative Party, after the vote.
To come into force, however, the law must still be promulgated by the left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, who, when he was in Parliament, rejected a similar initiative.
“Congress took a very important step to protect girls and adolescents (…), it will no longer be possible to marry minors”Diana Moreno, spokesperson for the NGO Profamilia, told Agence France-Presse.
Colombia currently allows marriages from the age of 14, subject to the consent of the parents of the minor.
“Nine attempts since 2007”
In the rest of South America, the minimum age for marriage is between 16 and 18 years old. Argentina allows marriage at age 14 with the approval of a judge.
According to official figures, 114 marriages involving minors were celebrated in Colombia in 2023. In most cases, this type of union takes place in poor communities between an older man and a minor girl, which perpetuates “the cycles or traps of poverty”, “dropping out of school” and limit “autonomy and independence” women, denounces a Unicef report.
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“The fact that the Senate of the Republic voted [la loi] after nine attempts since 2007 is truly impressive”rejoiced Sandra Ramirez, lawyer for the NGO Equality Now, who encouraged the legislative process.
“The most worrying aspect is the implementation of the law among indigenous and Afro-descendant girls and adolescents in rural communities. This is where the work begins”insisted Sandra Ramirez.
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