In New Jersey, we are dedicated to protecting children by putting an end to child marriages by raising the minimum age to 18. Studies have consistently showed that minors who enter into marriage – particularly young women – are less likely to graduate from high school and college and more likely to suffer domestic abuse and live in poverty. I am proud to join with the Legislature to make New Jersey a national leader on this important human rights issue.
― Phil Murphy banning child marriage.
Philip Dunton Murphy (born August 16, 1957) is an American banker and diplomat currently serving as governor of the state of New Jersey. He has previously served as the USA's ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013, having been appointed by Barack Obama. He and his wife founded a charity called 2nd Floor, a domestic violence helpline that has helped save lives.
Governorship[]
Murphy took power in 2017, having received endorsements from former Vice President Al Gore and several senators and easily defeated his Republican opponent. His main promises included establishing a state-owned bank and legalising marijuana for recreational use.
Some of Murphy's main priorities on taking office were connected to battling climate change. To those ends, Murphy signed an agreement committing New Jersey to the Paris Climate Accords and increased government funding of wind power initiatives in January 2018. On January 1, Murphy also signed a bill granting health insurance to all New Jersey residents. During Murphy's tenure, New Jersey officially opposed the EPA's suspension of the Clean Water Rule, banned single-use plastics and unveiled plans to make the state completely reliant on clean energy by 2050.
On social issues, Murphy's administration has expanded many of the rights of the state's citizens, especially immigrants. During the early years of his first term he made it easier for immigrants to gain college aid and driving licenses. This in turn made it easier for immigrants to vote, as he passed a law that automatically registers anyone who applies for a license to vote. He also banned child marriage in the state, raising the minimum age for marriage to eighteen, and expanded the time period during which sexual abusers can be sued. In June 2019, Murphy signed a law severely restricting the use of solitary confinement in New Jersey prisons. He legalised marijuana in 2021, and raised the minimum wage in 2019.