California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states

California has enacted a law effective January 1 that sets the minimum marriage age at 18, eliminating child marriage in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill after advocacy by survivors such as Courtney Stodden and Brittany Bee, who highlighted abuse and lack of divorce options for minors. The legislation follows a national trend, with 32 states still permitting child marriage and California becoming the 18th state to ban it since 2018.