Celebrate California Ending Child Marriage

California has enacted a new law prohibiting marriage for anyone under the age of 18, ending years of debate over child marriage in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1267 on September 30, and the new minimum age will take effect January 1, 2027.

Until now, California had no statutory minimum age for marriage. Minors could marry with judicial approval and the consent of a parent, making California one of only three states without a minimum marriage age.

The change follows years of efforts by lawmakers and advocates. Nearly 24,000 minors were married in California between 2000 and 2018, the second-highest total recorded among states during that period. Girls accounted for the large majority of minors married nationwide during those years.

Supporters of the new law argue that establishing 18 as the minimum age will help protect young people from coercion and the educational, financial, and social consequences associated with marrying as a minor. During the legislative process, lawmakers also heard testimony from women who had married as teenagers and from young Californians advocating for the prohibition.

Add your name to applaud California’s new law establishing 18 as the minimum age for marriage and ending child marriage in the state!