Bill > HB1455

This bill aims to eliminate child marriage in the state of Washington. It does this by amending existing laws to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years old, eliminating the exception that previously allowed 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent. The bill also clarifies language around marriage, making it a civil contract between two adults and removing references to gender-specific terms like "husband" and "wife." Additionally, the bill provides protections for religious organizations that choose not to solemnize or recognize same-sex marriages. The bill applies to all marriages entered into after its effective date.