Parliament meets on July 24 and the legislation seeks to amend the Marriage Act, “to increase the minimum age at which a person may marry from 16 years of age to 18 years of age, and to remove any exceptions.” Currently, the Marriage Act provides for a parent or parents to give consent for a 16-year-old child to get married.

“As from the appointed day, any person who attains the age of 18 years, shall be of the age of full civil legal responsibility and thus have full legal capacity to deal with civil matters without needing the consent of his parents or guardians, or the permission of any court of law, on account only of his age,” according to the proposed legislation. The amendment will also affect the Marriage (Special Licences – Destination Wedding) Regulations by allowing for a special licence made out in writing and addressed to the governor general and signed by one of the parties to the intended marriage. The licence shall state the full name, address, age, occupation and condition of both of the parties to the intended marriage. A special marriage licence is granted to people who are residing in the country for a minimum of 24 hours. (Jamaica Gleaner)