SACRAMENTO, California — California lawmakers have sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that would establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage, ending the state’s current system that allows minors to wed with parental consent and court approval.
Assembly Bill 1267, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, passed the Legislature with near-unanimous support and was presented to Newsom on Sept. 3. He has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto it. California is one of three states, along with New Mexico and Mississippi, that currently has no statutory minimum marriage age.
The ACLU opposes the measure, arguing that an absolute ban could limit minors’ autonomy, including decisions tied to emancipation and reproductive health. Planned Parenthood, which opposed earlier efforts to restrict child marriage, remained neutral this year.
Supporters say the existing law leaves minors vulnerable to coercion and abuse. Survivor advocacy group Unchained at Last says most child marriages involve girls marrying adult men. Pellerin said lawmakers should recognize that minors “are children” even when they may appear mature.
Previous California efforts to impose a minimum marriage age failed amid objections from civil-liberties and reproductive-rights groups. If Newsom signs AB 1267, the new minimum age would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
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