California bans child marriage with new law

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a landmark bill, AB 1267, which officially bans child marriage in the state by setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 without exceptions. The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, eliminates previous provisions that allowed minors to marry or enter domestic partnerships with parental consent and judicial approval.

Prior to this legislation, California was one of only three U.S. states, alongside Mississippi and New Mexico, that lacked a set minimum age for marriage. By enacting this change, California becomes the 18th U.S. state to completely prohibit the marriage of individuals under 18, while 32 states continue to permit child marriage under certain circumstances.

The bill signing ceremony was attended by Courtney Stodden, who famously married a 50-year-old actor at age 16 with parental consent. Governor Newsom described the legislation as a long-overdue measure to protect minors, while Stodden characterized the reform as a significant victory for survivors of child marriage who advocate for increased legal protections for children.