Artificial intelligence tools have become a part of our life. However, their contribution is not just limited to doing our regular chores. People are now romantically involved with AI bots and this is running into a critical debate in the US after China. According to a report from Wired, US lawmakers in many states are pushing for legislation that may stop AI tools from gaining legal personhood, a status that is necessary for concepts such as legal marriage to become possible. In simple words, the lawmakers are reportedly working on legislation that can stop human and AI marriages.
Woman Wanted To Marry Her Chatbot
According to the report, a licensed officiant at Las Vegas Immersive Weddings, Kevin Breen, said he was surprised when a woman from California contacted him last year about marrying her chatbot. Breen, who has officiated unusual themed weddings, including ceremonies inspired by Game of Thrones and Area 51, said the request was something he had never encountered before.
“I had never heard of such a thing, but I talked to her on the phone and she seemed totally normal and fun,” Breen told WIRED. The wedding, however, has not taken place yet.
The rising popularity of AI companions is helping increasing interest of humans in relationships with chatbots. A Harvard Business Review study examining more than 12,600 AI use cases between March 2025 and February 2026 found that companionship and therapy were among the leading uses for chatbots.
Despite the increasing interest, AI marriages currently have no legal recognition in the US. Reportedly, Missouri state senator Joe Nicola has been among the lawmakers seeking to prevent AI from receiving legal personhood. His proposed legislation would classify AI as non-sentient and deny it rights associated with spouses or domestic partners.
Similar efforts have appeared elsewhere. According to WIRED, lawmakers have introduced 23 bills since 2022 addressing potential legal rights for AI systems. Idaho, North Dakota, Utah and Tennessee have passed laws restricting AI personhood.
Ohio is also considering legislation that would classify AI systems as “nonsentient entities.” For now, human and AI marriage is not identified by the state. But as AI companions become more realistic, the debate over whether machines can have legal rights and where lawmakers should draw the line is expected to grow.