Gov Gavin Newsom called it a "long overdue measure to protect young Californians".

California has officially banned child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation to end the practice that is still legal in 32 US states.

The new law, which will come into effect on 1 January, states people must be 18 to get married in the Golden State.

Newsom called it a “long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors”. He signed the bill into law with Courtney Stodden, whose parents allowed her to marry a 50-year-old Hollywood actor when she was just 16.

  • yeahiknow3@lemmy.dbzer0.comBanned
    1·
    4 days ago

    Marriage is literally a legal contract (or constraint). Adults sometimes enter into this contract with each other for tribal, ritualistic, or legal reasons.

    Children aren’t capable of making such a big decision, which always reflects victimization.

    Why? Because marriage is not necessary, offering zero benefits to a child and many drawbacks. So you have to ask why it’s being perpetrated. The answers are rape, religion, or sex trafficking. There are no other answers.