California has taken a significant step towards protecting minors by enshrining 18 as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships. This landmark legislation, introduced by Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz), was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on 30 September.
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Prior to this new law, California was one of the few states that lacked a statutory minimum marriage age, allowing minors to marry with the consent of their parents and approval from the courts. Between 2000 and 2021, there were approximately 35,000 marriages involving minors in the state, often between an adult man and an underage girl. Nationally, nearly 315,000 minors were legally married during the same period.
The newly enacted Assembly Bill 1267 effectively repeals the previous provisions, ensuring that from now on, all individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry or enter into a domestic partnership. California is now among nine states, including Delaware, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, that have established this minimum age. The remaining states have varying laws, with some allowing children under 18 to marry under specific conditions.
In a statement upon signing the bill, Governor Newsom declared, “California kids are safer than ever before. This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors.” His remarks celebrate the legislation as a vital step in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children throughout the state.
Assemblywoman Pellerin spoke passionately about the motivations behind this legislative effort. She highlighted the stories of survivors who endured the challenges of being in marriages they did not choose, often experiencing coercion and abuse. “They told us how difficult it can be for a minor to ask for help,” Pellerin reflected, emphasising the urgent need for change to help protect vulnerable young individuals.
Significantly, the bill gained support from high-profile advocates, including former reality TV star Courtney Stodden, who was married at the age of 16 to actor Doug Hutchison, then aged 51. Following the signing, Stodden expressed her relief and commitment to continuing the fight for the protection of minors in marriage across the United States. “Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden,” she said.
Stodden’s marriage, which ended in divorce in 2020, has drawn public attention to the complexities and emotional repercussions of child marriage. She shared with media outlets that many survivors struggle with guilt or feelings of blame regarding their experiences. “Today really taught me something. It taught me that what happened to me and to these other girls was wrong,” she remarked, highlighting the need to address the trauma associated with child marriage.
As this new legislation comes into effect, California joins a growing movement aimed at ending child marriage and recognising the potential harm that such unions can cause to young individuals. The law reinforces the idea that marriage should only be entered into voluntarily and with full understanding of the implications.
The new minimum age law represents a significant shift in legislative attitudes towards marriage in California. It is a clear stance that prioritises the safety and autonomy of minors, ensuring that they are not subjected to the pressures or abuses that can accompany early marriage.
With this progressive change, California sets a precedent that may inspire other states to reconsider their own marriage laws, potentially contributing to a nationwide movement that views child marriage as an unacceptable practice. For those who have been affected by or suspect instances of abuse related to child marriage, resources are available, including hotlines and crisis counselling services, offering essential support and guidance.