Courtney Stodden Advocates for California's New Child Marriage Ban

Courtney Stodden has celebrated the passage of a new law in California that bans child marriage, a cause the reality television personality has long advocated for. Stodden, who was 16 when she married actor Doug Hutchinson in Las Vegas with her mother's consent, stood with Governor Gavin Newsom as he signed Assembly Bill 1267 into law.

The new legislation prohibits marriage or domestic partnerships for individuals under the age of 18 in California. Stodden, now 32, expressed her elation, stating, "I spent years wishing someone had protected the little girl I used to be." She added, "Today, California protected the next one."

Stodden, accompanied by her husband Jared Safier, was pictured arriving at LAX shortly after the bill's signing. She thanked "Unchained At Last and every survivor who fought beside us," vowing to continue her advocacy nationwide. "California is only the beginning. All 50, baby," she declared.

The controversial marriage to Hutchinson, who was 51 at the time, occurred in 2011. Stodden has since spoken out about the exploitation and emotional abuse she experienced during the union, referring to Hutchinson as a "predator" and her ex-husband as a "paedophile." She has described the marriage as a result of grooming and a "trauma bond," asserting that she was "a child who was exploited."

Hutchinson has denied these allegations, previously calling them "false malicious and egregious allegations." He stated that he had contacted Stodden's parents upon developing feelings for her, offering to step back if they had reservations. Stodden's mother had expressed full support for the marriage at the time.

The marriage officially ended in 2020. Stodden has continued to be a vocal advocate for victims and survivors, emphasizing resilience and the power of one's voice. "My voice is my power and for every voice silenced, I'll shout louder," she stated. "I speak for that little girl within."

California is now one of 17 states to ban child marriage without exception. Stodden's activism has been instrumental in raising awareness and pushing for legislative change, aiming to protect children from similar experiences across the country.