Source: KSBW Monterey
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Wednesday banning child marriage in California.
Assembly Bill 1267, authored by Santa Cruz Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, sets the minimum age for marriage in California at 18, with no exceptions.
“For more than nine years, legislators who came before us, colleagues serving today, survivors and advocates have worked to move California toward ending child marriage. AB 1267 is about one simple principle: Children belong in classrooms, playgrounds and with adults who are raising them — not attempting to marry them,” Pellerin said.
Before the bill was signed, California allowed minors of any age to marry with parental consent and a court order from a Superior Court judge.
“This is a long-overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors. Today, California kids are safer than ever before,” Newsom said.
The bill repeals provisions allowing minors to marry or enter domestic partnerships with parental consent, setting California’s minimum age for both at 18.
The bill was sponsored by Unchained At Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Seventeen states have banned child marriage without exceptions.
AB 1267 advanced through the Legislature in part because of survivors such as Christina Sutton. A lifelong Californian, Sutton was forced into a relationship as a child. By 17, she was pregnant and married to an adult.
She testified before the Senate and Assembly Judiciary committees, sharing her story in support of the bill.
“I’m honored to stand by Assemblymember Pellerin, who refused to let survivors like me be ignored. AB 1267 exists because she took a stand to protect children. I carry what child marriage cost me, but because of her, no child in California will have to carry the same. This is a win for California — my work will continue in other states,” Sutton said.
The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
