California outlaws child marriage, joining 17 other US states
Advocacy group that pushed for the legislation says 9,000 children are married in California every year
TL;DR
- California has outlawed child marriage through Assembly bill 1267.
- The new law prohibits minors from obtaining marriage licenses or domestic partnerships, with no exceptions.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, stating it will make "California kids safer than ever".
- Activist Courtney Stodden, a survivor of child marriage, expressed gratitude and vowed to continue fighting for a nationwide ban.
- The advocacy group Unchained At Last claims 9,000 children are married in California each year.