California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states

October 1, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation prohibiting marriage for anyone under 18 years old, making California the eighteenth state to implement such a ban since 2018. Previously, the state had no minimum age requirement for marriage, allowing minors to wed with parental approval and judicial authorization, though those under 18 could not legally divorce. Approximately 9,000 girls were married annually in California, predominantly to adult men, with survivors reporting they were often trapped in exploitative and violent situations.

Who is affected

Children under 18 in California who will now be protected from marriage
Survivors of child marriage including Courtney Stodden (married at 16 to a 50-year-old), Brittany Bee (married at 17), and Sara Tasneem (married at 15)
Approximately 9,000 girls who were being married annually in California
Minors in the 32 US states where child marriage remains legal
Advocacy groups like Unchained At Last

What action is being taken

Survivors of child marriage have been advocating and lobbying for years to ban child marriages in California and across the United States, with Sara Tasneem specifically lobbying since 2017.

Why it matters

This legislation protects minors from being forced or coerced into marriages they cannot consent to and from which they cannot legally escape through divorce. Child marriage has enabled systemic abuse, with survivors reporting being trapped in predatory and violent relationships with adult partners. The ban addresses a widely unknown issue affecting thousands of children annually and sets a precedent that may encourage other states to follow, protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation disguised as legal marriage.

What's next

The law will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Courtney Stodden stated she will "keep fighting until children are protected from marriage in all 50 states."

Read full article from source: BBC