BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A bill introduced in the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration committee Friday would set a minimum legal age of 16 for marriage in Idaho.

Presently, there is no minimum legal age in the state, and the controversial issue has been the source of intense debate in the Idaho Legislature.

The proposed bill would also restrict the age difference of individuals under the age of 18 and not less than 16 years of age to three years.

The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls) and Rep. Bryan Zollinger (R-Idaho Falls).

"I don't think this will be too controversial," Rep. Zollinger said. "We've talked with our colleagues."

"We worked with the Legislative Services Office to look at what the laws are in all 50 states," Rep. Ehardt said. "In most states, the minimum legal age is 16, but some states do allow for marriage at 15 with a compelling reason."

The two lawmakers said the bill protects parental consent. And they said "the purpose is to prevent forced or coerced marriages and the trafficking of children and to limit marriage to those with the ability to protect themselves."

The committee voted to print the bill and a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposal.

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