California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states
California has officially banned child marriage, requiring individuals to be 18 to marry, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the legislation. The new law, effective January 1, was championed by survivors like Courtney Stodden and Brittany Bee, who continue to advocate for similar bans across all US states.
Why it matters
This legislation protects minors from systemic violence and exploitation, setting a crucial precedent for other states and addressing a significant human rights issue within the US.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Regan Morris Los Angeles BBC Brittany Bee was wed to a man when she was a teen. California has officially banned child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation to end the practice that is still legal in 32 US states.
The new law, which will come into effect on 1 January, states people must be 18 to get married in the Golden State.
Newsom called it a "long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors". He signed the bill into law with Courtney Stodden whose parents allowed her to marry a 50-year-old Hollywood actor when she was just 16.
Stodden, who has been advocating to end the practice, called the change a "victory" and said survivors of child marriage should "never have been expected to carry this burden".
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