A new California law bans child marriage. What's the global outlook on the practice?
California has passed a law banning child marriage by setting the minimum age at 18 with no exceptions. This move aligns the state with a growing movement to protect minors from the legal and social risks associated with early marriage.
Why it matters
The legislation represents a significant shift in U.S. state laws regarding child protection and human rights.
It's been a landmark year for activists seeking bans against child marriage in the U.S. On Sept. 30, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Bill AB 1267 , setting 18 as the minimum age for marriage in the state, with no exceptions.
The bill, sponsored by Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, was authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. It repealed provisions that had allowed minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval, a system that meant California had no statutory minimum marriage age. The law also removes the parallel exception that allowed minors to enter domestic partnerships.
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