California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1267 (AB 1267) into law on September 30, 2024, banning all marriages for individuals under 18 years old in the state. The legislation, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, removes prior exceptions that permitted minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval, making California the 18th U.S. state to prohibit child marriage without exception.
The bill was signed alongside Courtney Stodden, a survivor of child marriage who was 16 years old when her parents permitted her to marry a 50-year-old actor. Stodden has since become an advocate against the practice, stating the new law provides long-overdue protection for minors.
Core provisions of the law
The repealed provisions allowed minors to marry under specific conditions, including parental consent and court approval. The new law also eliminates the exception permitting minors to enter domestic partnerships. Advocacy groups, including Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, sponsored the bill, which culminated a nearly decade-long campaign by survivors and activists.
Global context and human rights implications
The United Nations classifies child marriage as a human rights violation, citing risks such as early pregnancy, limited education, and increased vulnerability to abuse. According to UNICEF, girls are disproportionately affected, with child marriage among boys occurring at one-sixth the rate of girls globally. The practice remains legal in 32 U.S. states under varying restrictions.
Legislative history and opposition
Earlier efforts to ban child marriage in California faced opposition from groups including Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, which raised concerns about minors' reproductive autonomy and access to healthcare. A 2018 law introduced safeguards requiring judges to assess potential coercion and abuse. In 2026, Planned Parenthood adopted a neutral position on the ban, removing a key source of opposition and enabling the legislation’s passage.
Survivor perspectives and advocacy
Stodden, who has campaigned against child marriage, described the law as a "victory" and emphasized the need for protections across all 50 states. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, the bill’s author, highlighted the role of survivors in shaping the legislation, stating, "They told us what it means to be a child in a marriage you did not freely choose."
Implementation and enforcement timeline
The law will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving time for public awareness campaigns and adjustments to legal procedures. California previously had no statutory minimum marriage age, making it one of only three U.S. states without such a restriction.
Broader U.S. landscape
The ban aligns with a growing trend in the U.S., where 18 states now prohibit child marriage without exception. Advocacy groups continue to push for similar legislation in remaining states where the practice remains legal under certain conditions.