California has officially banned child marriage, becoming a leader in a movement that remains controversial across the U.S. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed legislation to end the practice, stating such action was long overdue to safeguard young Californians.
Newsom declared, “Today, California kids are safer than ever before.” Courtney Stodden, an advocate and survivor of child marriage, stood alongside Newsom during the signing. Stodden was permitted by her parents to marry actor Doug Hutchison at 16, a relationship she described as abusive. On Instagram, Stodden’s message resonated with over 20,000 likes: “i spent years wishing someone had protected the little girl i used to be. today, california protected the next one.”
California’s New Law
Before this law, California counted among a handful of states with no minimum age for marriage. The new regulation now mandates individuals must be at least 18 to marry.
Decade of Legislative Attempts
For nearly ten years, California legislators sought a comprehensive ban on child marriage. Previous efforts met challenges from groups like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU. These organizations voiced concerns about reproductive autonomy for minors and healthcare access. As a compromise, a 2018 law required judges to screen for coercion and abuse.
In 2026, Planned Parenthood adopted a neutral stance, removing a major obstacle. Subsequently, the legislation passed and Newsom signed it.
Understanding Child Marriage
The United Nations defines child marriage as a union involving at least one party under 18. UNICEF views it as a human rights violation, noting girls are disproportionately affected. Statistics show girls who marry young face higher domestic violence risks and are less likely to continue their education.
Child Marriage in the U.S.
Advocates highlight that child marriage makes minors prone to abuse due to limited legal rights. The U.S. presents a jumble of state laws, enabling minors to wed in states where it remains permissible.
In 2017, child marriage was legal across all 50 states. Nearly a decade later, 18 states and Washington D.C. have instituted age 18 as the minimum legal marrying age. Between 2000 and 2018, approximately 300,000 children, some as young as 10, married legally in the U.S. Most were girls marrying adult men, as reported by Unchained at Last, an organization dedicated to ending child marriage.
U.S. Census data from 2021, analyzed by Unchained At Last, revealed over 8,000 married California minors in the preceding year, predominantly girls.
Progress and Legislation
Despite nationwide legality, many lawmakers strive to reform child marriage laws. Recent legislative efforts include Oklahoma, which became the 17th state to ban child marriage, setting the minimum age at 18 without exceptions.
States with a Full Ban
The following states fully prohibit marriage under 18:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New York
- New Jersey
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Future Developments
California’s ban on child marriage will be enforced starting January 1. In Oklahoma, the new law is effective from November 1.
For related inquiries, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Cristina Diciu.
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