California Bans Child Marriage

California has taken a significant step by banning child marriage. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the legislation, stating it as a necessary step to ensure the safety of young Californians and minors. He expressed confidence that “today, California kids are safer than ever before.” This legislation marks a turning point in child protection within the state.

Support from Advocates

Joining Newsom during the signing was Courtney Stodden, an advocate and survivor of child marriage. Her experience of marrying the 50-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at the age of 16 is a stark example of the issues the new law addresses. Stodden, who considers that relationship abusive, shared her thoughts on Instagram, resonating with over 20,000 followers: “i spent years wishing someone had protected the little girl i used to be. today, california protected the next one.”

Previous Legislation Challenges

California had been one of only three states with no minimum marriage age. The newly enacted law requires individuals to be 18 to marry in California. Attempts to ban child marriage faced obstacles for about ten years. Groups such as Planned Parenthood and the ACLU were concerned about minors’ reproductive autonomy and healthcare access, which led to earlier legislative safeguards rather than a full ban.

In 2026, these concerns were reconsidered as Planned Parenthood adopted a neutral stance on the matter, reducing opposition and facilitating legislative success.

Understanding Child Marriage

Defined by the United Nations as a marriage involving at least one party under 18, child marriage is acknowledged as a human rights violation. UNICEF highlights the disproportionate impact on girls. Those married before 18 face higher risks of domestic violence and lower school retention, as stated by UNICEF.

Girls who marry before 18 are more likely to experience domestic violence and less likely to remain in school. — UNICEF Advisory

Child Marriage in the U.S.

Advocates emphasize the vulnerability of minors in child marriages, citing limited legal rights. Concerns extend nationwide due to varied state laws, which allow minors to be transported to states where child marriage remains legal.

In 2017, all 50 states permitted marriage under 18. A decade later, 18 states and Washington D.C. have enacted legislation requiring marriage participants to be at least 18. Unchained at Last, a nonprofit organization striving to end child marriage, reveals startling figures: nearly 300,000 children, some as young as 10, were married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018, mostly girls to adult men.

California’s 2021 U.S. Census data showed over 8,000 children, predominantly girls, were married the previous year. Efforts to change these laws continue, with Oklahoma recently becoming the 17th state to enforce a full ban.

States Enforcing a Full Ban

• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New York
• New Jersey
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

Looking Ahead

California’s ban on child marriage is set to take effect on January 1, with Oklahoma’s implementation on November 1. This historic change in legislation is a vital move toward safeguarding minors across the nation.