Gov Gavin Newsom called it a "long overdue measure to protect young Californians".

California has officially banned child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation to end the practice that is still legal in 32 US states.

The new law, which will come into effect on 1 January, states people must be 18 to get married in the Golden State.

Newsom called it a “long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors”. He signed the bill into law with Courtney Stodden, whose parents allowed her to marry a 50-year-old Hollywood actor when she was just 16.

    • thanksforallthefish@literature.cafe
      11·
      5 days ago

      Not actually true, children can legally contract under 18, they do so whenever they make a purchase at a store.

      I’m not California qualified but in most US states the position is derived from ancient UK law which basically has a handful of exceptions to do with basic living (food housing etc) which minors can contract on .

      Marriage historically was one of those. I havent studied it specifically but vague recollection was age of consent and age to marry were historically aligned legally