Newsom Signs AB 1267, Setting 18 as Minimum Marriage Age in California
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267 on Sept. 30, 2026, banning marriage for anyone under 18 in California. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, making the state the 18th to impose an absolute ban since 2018. Previously, minors could marry with parental and judicial consent. Survivors and advocates called it a victory, while the ACLU opposed it, and 32 other states still allow child marriage.
Key points
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267 on Sept. 30, 2026, setting 18 as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships in California.
- The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027, eliminating the previous loophole that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and a judge's approval.
- California becomes the 18th state to ban child marriage since 2018, though 32 other states still allow it under various conditions.
- The bill was co-sponsored by Unchained At Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, with Assemblymember Gail Pellerin as a key author.
- Courtney Stodden, who married at 16, attended the signing and called it a victory, while the ACLU opposed the ban, arguing it removes legal protections for minors.
Background
California had no minimum marriage age until 2018, when a watered-down law required judicial interviews to rule out coercion. Bills in 2023 and 2024 failed in committee. This 2026 signing concludes a nine-year legislative push, following Newsom's recent signing of other major bills on DUI reforms, immigration, and gun safety.
How outlets are covering it
CalMatters and the California State Portal emphasize the law's protective intent and the long legislative fight, citing Newsom's statement that children are 'safer than ever.' BBC highlights survivor testimonies, including Brittany Bee and Sara Tasneem, who described being trapped in abusive marriages. Yahoo focuses on Courtney Stodden's personal story and her vow to fight in all 50 states. The ACLU opposed the ban, arguing it removes 'critical benefits and legal protections' for minors, while Planned Parenthood took no official stance, citing other priorities.
Why it matters
The ban closes a legal loophole that advocates say implicitly legalizes statutory rape and traps minors in abusive relationships. It aligns California with 17 other states that have fully banned child marriage, though 32 states still allow it, highlighting ongoing national disparities in child protection.
What to watch
The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Advocates like Courtney Stodden plan to continue lobbying for bans in the remaining 32 states. The ACLU may challenge the law's impact on minors' legal rights, while survivors will monitor enforcement and support services.
- California bans child marriage after 9-year fight to outlaw the practice CalMatters
- California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states BBC
- Governor Newsom signs bill to ban child marriage California State Portal | CA.gov
- Courtney Stodden Celebrates California Child Marriage Ban 15 Years After Marrying at 16 Yahoo
- Gov. Newsom signs bill to end child marriage in California NBC Los Angeles
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