Under current Arizona law, 16- and 17-year-olds may legally marry under specific conditions, including parental consent or emancipation and other legal requirements. Because of these exceptions, child marriage has not been fully eliminated in Arizona.

2025 Child-Marriage Bill  proposed establishing 18 as the minimum legal marriage age with no exceptions, but it did not become law.

This petition calls on Arizona lawmakers to reintroduce and pass legislation that protects every child equally.

Child marriage does not affect every child in the same way. It can have especially serious consequences for young people who are already vulnerable.

Adoptees — Many adoptees navigate questions of identity, belonging, and family connection. Those experiences can make some young people more vulnerable to manipulation by adults who offer a false sense of permanence or acceptance.

Neurodivergent youth — Some neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD or autism, may benefit from additional education and support around healthy relationships, consent, and recognizing coercive behavior.

Girls experiencing PMDD or PME — Young people living with severe cycle-related mood disorders deserve safe environments and supportive relationships. Ongoing trauma and controlling relationships can make these experiences even more difficult.

We call on the Arizona State Legislature to:
✔ Pass legislation establishing 18 as the minimum legal marriage age with no exceptions.

✔ Ensure every child receives equal legal protection.

✔ Recognize child marriage as a child protection issue deserving thoughtful legislative action.

 
Why I started this petition
I am an adoptee.

I am neurodivergent.

I founded Voices4Justice™ because I believe education creates stronger advocates and stronger communities.

This petition is for every child Arizona's law has not yet fully protected.

— Kaila Powell
Founder, Voices4Justice™
Member, National Coalition to End Child Marriage
Phoenix, Arizona