BOGOTÁ, July 5, 2025 – In a landmark decision, Colombia’s Senate has passed Law 2447 of 2025, effectively banning child marriage for anyone under the age of 18 without exceptions. This legislation, celebrated in Parliament, marks the end of a 137-year-old legal loophole that previously allowed marriages for minors as young as 14 with parental consent.
The new law comes after 17 years of relentless campaigning by advocacy groups and eight failed attempts to push similar legislation through the Senate. It addresses a critical issue affecting 4.5 million Colombian women, with 1 million of them married before the age of 15, according to recent data. Child marriage, often linked to poverty and cultural norms, has been a significant barrier to education, with 51% of child brides dropping out of primary school, and a major contributor to gender inequality and violence.
Colombia now joins 12 other countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, in completely banning child marriage, aligning with global efforts to protect children’s rights. The legislation is part of a broader strategy that includes the National “Life Projects” program, which aims to provide economic and educational support to at-risk girls, alongside campaigns to challenge toxic gender norms.
Despite the celebration, challenges remain, particularly in indigenous communities like the Wayúu, where early marriages are deeply entrenched. Indigenous Senator Martha Peralta has called for culturally sensitive policies to ensure effective implementation, highlighting the need to balance tradition with legal progress.
The law’s passage reflects a growing recognition of child marriage as a form of modern slavery and a violation of human rights. It underscores Colombia’s commitment to fostering a future where every child can thrive without the constraints of early marital obligations. As the country moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring the law’s enforcement and addressing the root causes of child marriage to create lasting change.