California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states
7 hours ago
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning child marriage, effective January 1, 2027.
- Child marriage remains legal in 32 U.S. states.
- Courtney Stodden, a survivor who was married at 16, called the ban a 'victory' and vowed to fight for a nationwide prohibition.
- Other survivors like Brittany Bee and Sara Tasneen shared personal stories of being forced into marriage as minors.
- California is the 18th state to ban child marriage since 2018; previously there was no minimum age with parental and judicial consent.
- Advocacy group Unchained At Last reports about 9,000 girls are wed annually in California, most to adult men.