Republican New Hampshire State Representative Jess Edwards has faced backlash for defending child marriage and using inappropriate language to describe underage teenage girls as “ripe” and “fertile.” Despite objections from Edwards, a bill to raise the age of marriage in New Hampshire from 16 to 18 passed by a vote of 192-174. Edwards has refused to apologize to his critics, labeling them as “haters” and arguing that his stance is “pro-choice.”
Edwards defended his opposition to raising the marriage age by stating that it aligns with his advocacy for allowing individuals to make their own decisions. He compared his stance on marriage to his pro-choice views on abortion and social services funding, maintaining that he has a rational and logical position that supports individual decision-making. Edwards pointed out that he was responsible for an amendment to New Hampshire’s abortion ban that allows for exceptions in cases involving a risk to the mother’s life or a fatal fetal anomaly. He emphasized that the state’s 24-week abortion standard is more permissive than many other regions.
The Republican lawmaker argued that underage marriage is part of a broader concept of bodily autonomy and self-determination, suggesting that couples should have the choice to marry under 18 under certain conditions. He accused Democrats of eliminating the choice of marriage by opposing the bill to raise the age limit, claiming that their position restricts bodily autonomy and subjects young women to legislative control. Edwards portrayed his critics as control freaks who prioritize driving pregnant women to have abortions over allowing them to choose marriage.
While the bill to raise the marriage age has passed in both the New Hampshire Senate and House, it remains uncertain whether it will become law. Republican Governor Chris Sununu previously supported raising the age to 18 in 2018, when the state allowed for marriages of 13-year-old girls and 14-year-old boys with judicial permission. Currently, the majority of U.S. states permit marriage under 18, with only 12 states explicitly banning child marriage. If the New Hampshire bill becomes law, Maine would be the only state in the Northeast to allow marriages under 18.
In his response to criticism, Edwards expressed frustration with media coverage that he believed was unfair, particularly in failing to mention his anti-transgender stance as “pro woman.” He has faced scrutiny for his controversial views on various issues, including transgender rights. Despite the backlash, Edwards remains steadfast in his position regarding child marriage and continues to defend his stance as pro-choice and in line with his broader advocacy for individual decision-making. The controversy surrounding child marriage laws in New Hampshire highlights ongoing debates over the rights and protections afforded to minors in matters of marriage and autonomy.
