California becomes 18th US state to ban child marriage

California has joined 17 other US states in banning child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the legislation that establishes 18 as the mandatory minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships. The measure represents a significant step toward protecting minors from early marriage arrangements, which advocacy groups have documented as a persistent issue across the state.

The new law will come into force on January 1, 2027, giving California residents and relevant authorities more than two years to prepare for implementation. Child marriage has historically affected families across the state, with documented cases spanning various communities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Advocacy organizations working on child protection have welcomed the legislation as a crucial safeguard against exploitation and harm to minors. Survivors of child marriage have expressed relief at the measure and called on remaining states to adopt similar protections, arguing that such laws are essential to ensuring young people can pursue education and personal development without the constraints of early marriage.

The legislation reflects growing momentum across the United States to establish uniform protections for children, with California now joining a coalition of states prioritizing this issue. Child welfare experts emphasize that such laws address broader concerns about family coercion, economic hardship, and educational disruption.