The Georgia House passed a bill Tuesday preventing couples from marrying until they're at least 17 years old, sending the proposal to Gov. Brian Kemp.

The House voted 155-14 to give final approval to House Bill 228, which raises the marriage age from 16 to 17.

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If signed into law, Georgia would join about a dozen other states that require children to be at least 17 years old before they can marry, even with parental consent.

The bill also prevents 17-year-olds from marrying partners more than four years older than them, and a judge would have to free them from parental control.

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Members of the Democratic House Representatives held a protest in the north steps after walking out of the House Chamber as the SB 185 bill was introduced during Legislative Day 39 at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. SB 185 prohibits using state funds or resources for specific treatments for state inmates.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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The last Michelin Guide Awards ceremony took place at the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday, Oct 28, 2024.

Credit: Jenni Girtman