This is why it helps to proofread before signing things into law! An article in today's Chicago Sun-Times reports:

Typo lets toddlers marry in Arkansas

August 18, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A law passed this year allows Arkansans of any age -- even infants -- to marry if their parents agree, and the governor may have to call a special session to fix the mistake, lawmakers said Friday.

The legislation was intended to establish 18 as the minimum age to marry but also allow pregnant teenagers to marry with parental consent, bill sponsor Rep. Will Bond said. An extraneous ''not'' in the bill, however, allows anyone who is not pregnant to marry at any age if the parents allow it.

The bill reads: ''In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage.''

AP


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