LISBON, Portugal – In a significant move to protect the rights of children and young people, Portugal has officially raised the minimum age for marriage to 18. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recently authorized the decree passed by the Assembly of the Republic, effectively banning child marriage within the country.

Previously, the legal minimum age for marriage in Portugal was 16, with parental consent required for those between 16 and 18 years old. However, the new legislation eliminates this provision, setting a firm 18-year-old minimum.

The Assembly's decision, finalized in late February, also removed references to emancipation from existing laws, ensuring a clear and consistent stance against underage marriages. President de Sousa's approval of the decree classifies child marriage as a "dangerous situation" that necessitates intervention to safeguard the rights of minors.

The decree, approved on February 20th, explicitly addresses "child marriages, early or forced marriages, or similar unions," where individuals under 18 live in spousal-like conditions, regardless of whether they were coerced or influenced by cultural, ethnic, or national origins.

Furthermore, the law includes a transitional provision for marriages that occurred before its enactment, as reported by KosovaPress. This ensures that the new legislation considers existing situations while firmly establishing the new legal standard.

This legislative change underscores Portugal's commitment to aligning with international standards and protecting the well-being of its youth.