
TL;DR
California has enacted a law banning child marriage, requiring individuals to be at least 18 years old to marry. This legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, addresses a practice still permitted in 32 other states.
✦ Why It Matters
Support efforts to end child marriage by advocating for similar legislation in your state.
Key Takeaways
Full Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to ban child marriage in California, making it the 18th state to do so since 2018. Previously, there was no minimum legal age for marriage, allowing minors to wed with parental consent and judicial approval.
Advocates, including survivors of child marriage, have long campaigned for this change, highlighting the risks of abuse and lack of divorce options for minors. Approximately 9,000 girls were married each year in California, often to much older men.
The new law aims to prevent systemic violence against children and empower them to choose their own paths. Survivors have expressed relief and hope for similar legislation across the United States.
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