2025 Session
Last amended: 2023 session
§ 609.265 — Abduction
Plain-Language Summary
It is a misdemeanor to take a person under 18 for the purpose of marriage without the consent of their parents, guardian, or legal custodian. The penalty is up to 364 days in jail, a fine up to $3,000, or both.
609.265 ABDUCTION.
Whoever, for the purpose of marriage, takes a person under the age of 18 years, without the consent of the parents, guardian, or other person having legal custody of such person is guilty of abduction and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.265; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
History: History: 1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.265; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
Practical Notes
This law is separate from kidnapping and targets situations where someone takes a minor for the specific purpose of getting married. It applies even if the minor goes willingly, as long as the parents or guardians did not consent. This law helps protect minors from forced or coerced marriages.