FREETOWN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio announced late Tuesday that he had signed into law a bill prohibiting child marriage, a historic move aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of young girls.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, now enacted into law, signifies Sierra Leone's commitment to empowering girls and providing them with the opportunity to thrive in a society where they are valued, protected, and treated as equals.
"This and future generations of girls must thrive in Sierra Leone in which they're protected, equal, and empowered," said Bio on X, formerly Twitter.
The law categorizes marriage involving individuals under the age of 18 as a criminal offense, and perpetrators of this crime can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years and monetary fines.
Moreover, parents or individuals participating in ceremonies facilitating child marriages may also be subjected to financial penalties, according to the law. ■
