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.

  • 2hundredpancakes@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    1·
    2 days ago

    At what age can someone be considered able to consent “meaningfully”? What happens when someone is manipulated, groomed, or coerced into giving consent to a predatory “partner”? There are xtian cults in the US that teach their members pedophilia is Fine Actually, where the children consent to sex with adults. What does consent mean, there?

    It’s easy to talk about choice and freedom, but less easy to discuss what produces a choice and what comprises freedom. Our understanding is imperfect, thus our laws are also imperfect…

    Whatever the case, I think the important thing is being able to identify and stop predatory behavior and abuse. That’s something a community is more suited for than a government, unless we accept mass surveillance. Sadly, our communities at large are in a sorry state right now, but that’s a whole discussion in itself.