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New Jersey: end child marriages, no exceptions!

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To New Jersey lawmakers and all US Governors:

As citizens from across the country, we call on you to end the practice of child marriage in the US, no exceptions. Children under the age of 18 do not have the legal tools they need to escape or avoid an unwanted marriage, and the devastating lifelong effects of marriage before this age are well-documented (increased school drop outs, physical and psychological illnesses, poverty, and domestic violence). We call on you to protect vulnerable and expolited children and lead other states in the charge to truly end child marriage for every single child under 18, with no exceptions of any kind.
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New Jersey: end child marriages, no exceptions!
Sherry Johnson was raped at age 8, pregnant by 10, and forced to marry her rapist at 11.

That sounds like something that happened somewhere far away. But it happened in the US, where only ONE out of 50 states has banned child marriages. And thousands of US children are married each year, the majority girls -- 25 states don't even set a minimum age.

But the tide is turning thanks to stories from survivors like Sherry. Last month Delaware became the first state to end child marriage, and now New Jersey could become the second. They’re about to pass a bill there with massive support behind it -- but just two lawmakers are delaying a vote because religious conservatives want exceptions!

This tragedy, and this moment, aren’t making big enough headlines. But if we raise our voices we can not only help pass this bill, but ensure these horrific laws keep falling, state-by-state. Add your name, and we’ll shine a national spotlight on New Jersey so we don’t lose our chance -- and work to end child marriage in the US, for good.
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