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Xinhua News Agency, Freetown, July 3 (Reporter Chen Cong) Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio announced on the evening of the 3rd that he had signed a bill to ban child marriage. This historic move aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 has now been enacted into law, signalling Sierra Leone’s commitment to empowering girls and providing them with opportunities to thrive in a society where they are valued, protected and treated as equals.
Bio on X (original Twitter) said: “This generation and future generations of girls must thrive in Sierra Leone, where they are protected, have equal rights and are empowered.”
The law criminalizes marriage between individuals under the age of 18, and those found guilty of such crimes face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines.
In addition, parents or individuals involved in child marriage rituals may also be subject to financial penalties under the law.
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