California Enacts Ban on Child Marriage

Why it matters locally: While New York already has a legal framework in place to prevent child marriage, this national development in California contributes to a broader movement that could reinforce or lead to further strengthening of protective measures for minors across states.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that prohibits marriage for individuals under the age of 18. The legislation makes California the latest state to ban child marriage. This development comes as advocacy groups and international organizations continue efforts to eliminate the practice globally. Many countries have also moved to raise the minimum age for marriage. Globally, various factors contribute to child marriage, including cultural traditions, economic pressures, and lack of legal protections. Organizations such as UNICEF report that an estimated 12 million girls marry before age 18 each year worldwide. International agreements, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, define a child as anyone under 18 and advocate for the protection of children from harmful practices, including child marriage. However, individual countries establish their own legal frameworks regarding marriage age.