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California Bans Child Marriage, Leaving 32 States Allowing It
California has passed a law banning marriage for anyone under 18.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on September 30.
Before this change, children could marry if their parents agreed and a judge approved.
The new law removes those exceptions.
It will begin on January 1, 2027.
California became the 18th state to completely ban child marriage.
Advocates say children may not be ready to make adult decisions about marriage.
Some survivors shared their experiences and supported the new law.
They want every state in the country to ban child marriage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267 on September 30, making the state the 18th to completely ban child marriage.
The law sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnership, without exceptions for parental consent or judicial approval.
AB 1267 takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Unchained At Last estimates that nearly 315,000 children entered legal marriages in the United States between 2000 and 2021.
Survivors and advocates welcomed the law while calling for child marriage to be prohibited nationwide; the practice remains legal in 32 states.
- Who
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267 alongside survivors and advocates, including Courtney Stodden.
- What
- California banned marriage and domestic partnerships for people under 18, without parental-consent or judicial exceptions.
- Where
- California, United States.
- When
- Newsom signed the law on September 30; it takes effect January 1, 2027.
- Why
- The law is intended to protect minors, whom survivors and advocates say may face significant barriers when trying to challenge or leave marriages entered into before adulthood.
Key facts
- New minimum age
- 18 for marriage and domestic partnership
- Legislation
- AB 1267
- Effective date
- January 1, 2027
- California's status
- The 18th U.S. state to completely ban child marriage
- States where it remains legal
- 32 states, according to the article
- National estimate
- Nearly 315,000 children legally entered marriage between 2000 and 2021
- Estimated California figure
- More than 8,000 children married each year, according to Unchained At Last; the state does not systematically track all marriage ages
Quotes
Courtney Stodden
Child-marriage survivor and campaigner who attended the bill signing
“Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden.”
wionews.com
“This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors. Today, California kids are safer than ever before.”
wionews.com
