California bans child marriage, which is still legal in 32 states

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

The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, requires people to be 18 to marry in the state. Newsom called it a “long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors.” He signed the bill alongside Courtney Stodden, whose parents allowed her to marry a 50-year-old Hollywood actor at 16.

Stodden called the change a “victory” and said survivors of child marriage should “never have been expected to carry this burden”. She added that she would “keep fighting until children are protected from marriage in all 50 states”.

Former child bride Brittany Bee told the BBC that “California has sent a clear message to the world today. A message of hope for all children that they may be free from systemic violence. That they may choose their own path.”

Bee said she was wed at 17 to escape an abusive home, only to be allegedly abused by her husband.

California is the 18th state to ban the practice since 2018. Advocacy group Unchained At Last said about 9,000 girls were wed yearly in the state, almost all to adult men.