The Florida Senate has decided to outlaw child marriage in Florida, but a House Committee voted one day later to put a loophole in the law.
Representative Heather Fitzenhagen of Fort Myers added a "Romeo and Juliet" amendment that would allow 16 and 17 year olds to get married under certain circumstances.
"One of the parties must be pregnant, both parties have a firm paternity, and the minor's parents or guardians have consented," she said. "This amendment does not allow a marriage license to be issued to any person under 16 years of age for any reason."
The House version of the child marriage ban is now ready for a floor vote.