California has taken a historic step in protecting minors by banning child marriage entirely. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267, setting 18 as the absolute minimum age for marriage or legal unions in the state, with no exceptions for parental consent or judicial approval. The law goes into effect in 2027, making California the 18th state to adopt such a strict standard.
This move is particularly significant for Latino communities across the state, where cultural traditions and family pressures have sometimes led to early marriages. According to data from the California Department of Public Health, between 2000 and 2021, approximately 35,000 minors were married in the state. Many of these marriages involved girls under 18, often wed to older partners.
A growing movement against child marriage
California joins a growing list of states that have outlawed child marriage, including Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Michigan, Washington, Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, Oregon, Missouri, and Oklahoma. These states have recognized that marriage before 18 is a human rights violation, exposing minors to increased risks of domestic violence, interrupted education, and economic instability.
“This is a victory for the rights of children everywhere,” said Fraidy Reiss, executive director of Unchained At Last, a nonprofit that advocates against child marriage. “California’s leadership sends a powerful message that no child should be forced into marriage, regardless of cultural or religious traditions.”
The new law also closes loopholes that previously allowed minors to marry with a judge’s approval or parental consent. In the past, even 16- and 17-year-olds could marry if they had a parent’s signature, and in some cases, younger children could marry with a judge’s order. Now, no one under 18 can legally marry in California, regardless of circumstances.
National disparities remain
While California’s action is a major step forward, the legal landscape across the United States remains fragmented. Thirty-two states still allow minors to marry under certain conditions, often with parental consent or judicial approval. This means that a 16-year-old in Texas can legally marry, while a 16-year-old in California cannot. The patchwork of laws creates a situation where families can cross state lines to bypass stricter regulations, a practice that advocates say perpetuates the problem.
“We need a federal minimum age of 18 for marriage,” said Reiss. “Until then, children in many states remain vulnerable.”
The issue is particularly relevant for Latino families, who may face cultural pressures to marry at a young age. In many Latin American countries, child marriage is still legal, and some families bring those norms to the United States. However, advocates emphasize that protecting children is not about rejecting culture but about ensuring their safety and well-being.
California’s new law is part of a broader trend. In recent years, several states have raised their minimum marriage age to 18, and more are considering similar legislation. The federal government has also taken steps to support children’s financial futures, but marriage laws remain a state issue.
For now, California’s decision sets a powerful example. As the most populous state in the nation, its policies often influence others. Advocates hope that other states will follow suit, creating a safer environment for all children, regardless of where they live.
“This is about basic human rights,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, who authored the bill. “No child should be forced into marriage. I’m proud that California is leading the way.”
The law also aligns with international standards. The United Nations has called for the elimination of child marriage by 2030 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals. While the U.S. has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, states like California are taking steps to align with global norms.
As the 2027 implementation date approaches, California will work to ensure that no new marriages involving minors are processed. The state will also provide resources for those who were married as minors, including access to legal assistance and support services.
For Latino families, this law is a reminder that cultural traditions should never compromise the safety and future of young people. It’s a step toward ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up, pursue their dreams, and make their own choices about their lives.
