California Enacts Child Marriage Ban, Thirty-Two US States Still Permit Practice

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation outlawing child marriage, a measure celebrated by proponents as a vital protection for minors. The new law eliminates exceptions that previously allowed individuals under the age of 18 to marry with parental consent or judicial approval, bringing California into line with a growing number of states that have fully prohibited the practice.

Campaigners highlight that despite growing awareness of the harms, 32 US states continue to permit child marriage under various conditions. These exceptions often involve parental consent, court orders, or cases of pregnancy, effectively creating loopholes that human rights organisations argue facilitate exploitation and undermine the welfare of young individuals.

Critics of the persisting allowances in other states point to the documented adverse impacts on young brides, including limited educational opportunities, increased risks of domestic abuse, and poor health outcomes. While legislative efforts in various states have aimed to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 without exception, these have frequently encountered resistance, with some legal frameworks continuing to prioritise parental authority over child protection.