Gore seeks to remedy gap in child protection law in wake of Epstein files vote

Yesterday, a post made by State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Beech Grove) about child protection went viral. The volume of response makes something very clear: Hoosiers care deeply about how our laws treat children. 

“At a time when Hoosiers of all political stripes have followed the national debate over the release of the Epstein files closely, I want to call attention to a related issue in Indiana that almost no one is aware of,” Gore said. “Indiana still allows 16-year-olds to be married – sometimes to adults.

“Minors can’t vote, drive, sign contracts, open a credit card, or buy a home, yet the law still permits them to be legally bound to another person. This gap in the law leaves children – and let’s be clear, 16-year-olds are children – vulnerable to exploitation of all kinds. 

“I will be filing legislation this session to end child marriage in Indiana. This will be one of the state’s most significant child-protection reforms in years.  

“National politics can often leave many Hoosiers discouraged about the impact they can have. However, this simple change in our state law is achievable and will make a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. I encourage Hoosiers to join me in supporting this law to protect our kids.”

Gore also serves as a captain at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which monitors over 1800 registered sex offenders.