California Bans Child Marriage, Becoming 18th State to End Practice

California has banned child marriage, with the new law prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from marrying. Governor Gavin Newsom called the measure a "long overdue" step to protect young people in the state.

California is the 18th state to enact such a ban since 2018. Previously, the state had no minimum age for marriage, allowing minors to wed with parental consent and judicial approval. Advocates noted that this lack of regulation often trapped young individuals, primarily girls, in abusive or predatory relationships, with no legal recourse to divorce before turning 18.

"California has sent a clear message to the world today," said Brittany Bee, who was married at 17 to escape an abusive home, only to allegedly face abuse from her adult husband. "A message of hope for all children that they may be free from systemic violence. That they may choose their own path."

Unchained At Last, an advocacy group, reported that approximately 9,000 girls under 18 marry each year in California, with nearly all of these marriages involving a minor and an adult man. The group highlighted that many people are unaware that child marriage remains legal in a significant number of U.S. states.

Sara Tasneen, who was forced into marriage with a man nearly twice her age at 15, described the ban as "surreal." She began lobbying for the legislation in 2017. "To have seen the arc of this bill come to fruition has been a marathon," Tasneen stated. "I'm just grateful that kids cannot get married after January 1, 2027 in California."

Survivors of child marriage and advocacy groups have been campaigning for years to end the practice nationwide. While the law in California takes effect in 2027, advocates like Tasneen express determination to continue working towards a federal ban, with the goal of protecting children in all 50 states.