In the state of Louisiana, a minor cannot legally consent to have sex with an adult but can legally marry an adult at the jurisdiction of a parent or guardian. It becomes difficult for these minors, once married, to obtain a legal divorce without the jurisdiction of their now spouse, who acts as a guardian. This is a huge breach of freedom and an opportunity for human trafficking to occur.

Anyone between the ages of 16 and 18 years old can marry with a parent's signature, and anyone under the age of 16 years old can marry with a parent's signature and court approval. A minor cannot legally divorce their spouse without a similar adult approval. This is considered a Traffickers "playground". This leaves opportunity for human traffickers to offer parents or guardians of children compensation in exchange for the ability to marry their child, which then makes the human trafficker considered the guardian of the child and strips the child of his or her rights. 

We believe the only way to keep this from happening is to allow only adults to enter into a marriage, in order to avoid a potential loss of rights.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders in Louisiana to act now to call from the calendar Bill SB463 for further consideration.