Bipartisan legislation banning marriages under 18 – which received final legislative approval from the full Senate – was vetoed this afternoon by Governor Christie.

The bill (A-3091), which was approved by the full Assembly in November, would bar the issuance of marriage or civil union licenses to all persons under the age of 18, regardless of parental or judicial consent. Under current law, marriage or civil union licenses may not be issued to minors under the age of 18 unless the parents or guardian, if any, consent.  If the minor is under the age of 16, a judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part must also consent to the marriage or civil union.

Many Chassidim and others within the Frum world do get married before 18, and could have been affected by the law.