California Bans Child Marriage: Map Shows Where It Is Still Legal
Summary
California has passed a law banning child marriage, making 18 the minimum age to marry in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation, which will take effect on January 1, ending the practice that was previously legal at any age in California.Key Facts
- California is now one of 18 states and Washington D.C. to ban marriage under age 18.
- Previously, California had no minimum age for marriage, one of only three states like this.
- The new law requires people to be at least 18 years old to get married.
- The ban was supported by Governor Newsom and advocates including Courtney Stodden, a survivor of child marriage.
- Child marriage is considered a human rights issue because minors cannot fully consent.
- Nearly 300,000 children under 18 were legally married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018.
- Most child marriages involve girls wed to adult men.
- Other states like Oklahoma have also recently passed laws banning child marriage.
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