California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning child marriage in the state, joining 17 other US states that have already outlawed the practice. The new law, which was signed on Wednesday, prohibits the issuance of marriage licenses to minors and does not include any exceptions. The previous law allowed minors to obtain a court order to get married with parental consent, regardless of their age.
The new law, known as Assembly Bill 1267, aims to protect the rights and safety of young people in California. According to Governor Newsom, the law is a long-overdue measure to safeguard the well-being of children in the state. Newsom stated that children in California are now safer than ever, thanks to the new law. The Governor was joined by activist Courtney Stodden, who gained national attention in 2011 when she married actor Doug Hutchison at the age of 16.
Stodden, who has spoken publicly about her experiences with child marriage, expressed her gratitude to Governor Newsom and the organization Unchained at Last, which advocated for the new law. She stated that the law is a victory for survivors of child marriage and that she will continue to fight for protection for children in all 50 states. According to Unchained at Last, approximately 9,000 children get married in California every year.
The new law in California has been hailed as a significant step forward in protecting the rights of young people. Child marriage has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including increased risk of domestic violence, poverty, and health problems. By banning child marriage, California aims to prevent these outcomes and ensure that young people are able to make informed decisions about their lives.
The law in California is part of a broader trend in the US to ban child marriage. In recent years, several states have enacted laws to outlaw the practice, citing concerns about the safety and well-being of young people. According to the US Department of State, child marriage is a human rights violation that affects millions of children worldwide.
The new law in California has been welcomed by advocates for children's rights, who have long argued that child marriage is a form of exploitation. The law is seen as a significant step forward in protecting the rights and safety of young people in the state. However, some critics have argued that the law does not go far enough and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of child marriage.
The impact of the new law in California is expected to be significant, with thousands of children potentially being spared from child marriage every year. The law is also seen as a model for other states to follow, with advocates hoping that it will inspire a national movement to ban child marriage. As Governor Newsom stated, the law is a crucial step in protecting the well-being of children in California and ensuring that they are able to grow up safely and healthily.
Key points
- California has become the 18th US state to ban child marriage, citing concerns about the safety and well-being of young people.
- The new law prohibits the issuance of marriage licenses to minors and does not include any exceptions.
- Approximately 9,000 children get married in California every year, according to the organization Unchained at Last.
