California is one step closer to outlawing child marriage after state senators unanimously approved Assembly Bill 1267. The bill would establish 18 as the state's minimum marriage age, eliminating existing exceptions that permit minors to marry with court and parental consent.
Courtney Stodden, a former child bride who married at 16 to a then-51-year-old actor, celebrated the vote as “incredible news” on Instagram. Stodden has become a vocal advocate against child marriage, sharing personal experiences of its impact.
"I was 16 when I was married to a 51-year-old man. I know what can happen when adults and the law call abuse a marriage," Stodden stated. She emphasized that a marriage license does not grant a child the autonomy or resources of an adult.
Under current California law, a judge must interview a minor and their parent or guardian to assess for coercion before a marriage license can be approved for a minor. Because minors cannot enter into legal contracts without parental consent, Stodden's marriage was approved with her mother's consent.
Stodden noted that California is among the 33 states that do not have a minimum age for marriage. "For a state that believes it’s progressive, it still has no legal floor protecting a child from marriage," she said.
The unanimous Senate vote represents a significant advancement for AB 1267. The bill will now proceed to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Stodden urged Californians to contact their Assembly members to express support for the legislation, stating, "This is a huge victory but it is not over yet. Children should be protected. Not married."