On November 14, 2024, Colombia’s Congress passed a groundbreaking law that bans child marriage, a significant step forward for the rights of minors in the country. This legislative change marks the end of a 137-year-old legal loophole that allowed children as young as 14 to marry with parental consent. The bill, which passed after years of campaigning and eight failed attempts, now awaits President Gustavo Petro’s approval to become law. Once signed, Colombia will join a group of 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that have entirely outlawed marriage for minors.
The Long Road to Reform
The path to this historic moment has been a challenging one, filled with political resistance and cultural opposition. The bill, spearheaded by Representatives Jennifer Pedraza of the Dignity and Commitment Party and Alexandra Vásquez of the Historic Pact coalition, has faced significant hurdles over the years. Despite the failure of previous attempts, advocates continued pushing for the reform, driven by the urgent need to protect minors—particularly girls—from forced marriages and exploitation.
Pedraza, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, expressed her relief and pride after the final vote. “With this bill, child marriage is effectively removed from the Civil Code,” she said in a statement. “Until today, children could legally marry at 14 with parental consent, which had unfortunately created a market where young girls, especially, were traded in exchange for livestock, land, and other resources.”
A Step Toward Protecting Minors
The new law prohibits the legalization of any marriage involving individuals under the age of 18, eliminating legal exceptions for parental consent. This change reflects Colombia’s commitment to combating the systemic exploitation of minors and reinforces the nation’s dedication to children’s rights. By closing this loophole, the government aims to protect young girls from the dangers of early marriage, which often leads to severe health complications, interrupted education, and social isolation.
Pedraza and Vásquez’s relentless advocacy was supported by various civil society groups and international organizations. “This is a victory for all of us. #TheyAreGirlsNotWives is now a reality that protects our girls’ right to a full childhood,” Pedraza tweeted after the bill’s passage. The new law not only seeks to end child marriage but also includes provisions for educational campaigns to help minors understand their options beyond early unions.
Cultural Concerns and Indigenous Communities
One of the key points of contention during the debate over the bill was its potential impact on Indigenous communities in Colombia. In certain communities, such as the Wayúu people, early marriage is seen as a cultural norm, with girls often considered adults after their first menstrual cycle. Senator Martha Peralta, a member of the Wayúu and part of the Historic Pact party, voiced her support for the bill but highlighted the need for a culturally sensitive approach to its implementation.
“As a member of a culture where girls are considered adults upon their first period, I support this bill, but I also recognize that public policy needs to support cultural transitions within our Indigenous populations,” Peralta said. The law includes provisions for outreach and collaboration with Indigenous communities to ensure that education campaigns are culturally appropriate and respectful.
Global and Local Impact of the Legislation
Child marriage is a widespread issue worldwide, with UNICEF estimating that 12 million girls are married each year. In Colombia, one in four women were married before 18, with many of them marrying even younger. The new law is a critical step in addressing this pervasive problem. Early marriages are linked to increased rates of domestic violence, poor educational outcomes, and health risks, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
By banning child marriage, Colombia joins a growing list of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean committed to ending the practice. It is now part of a global movement to protect minors from the detrimental effects of child marriage and ensure that young girls have the opportunity to complete their education and build a future on their terms.
What’s Next for Colombia’s Minors?
While this legislation is a significant achievement, it is only one part of the broader effort needed to protect minors in Colombia. Will the government prioritize the implementation of educational and preventive measures to ensure the law has a lasting impact on society? The journey towards full gender equality and the protection of minors is far from over.
Related Stories:
Examining the Congressional Hearing on Anti-Semitism at Columbia University: What’s at Stake?
Israel Passes New Law on Imprisonment of Palestinian Children Under 14
New Child Protection in Cyberspace Index aims to improve online safety for kids
