California has officially banned child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation to end the practice that is still legal in 32 US states.
The new law, which will come into effect on 1 January, states people must be 18 to get married in the Golden State.
Newsom called it a “long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors”. He signed the bill into law with Courtney Stodden, whose parents allowed her to marry a 50-year-old Hollywood actor when she was just 16.
For those who don’t understand why child marriage is usually a spectacularly bad idea for the underaged partner in one:
https://unchainedatlast.org/child-marriage-in-the-u-s/
Also includes map of which states allow underage marriage and under what conditions, as well as a map of youngest allowable marriage in that state (apparently both NM and MS have no lower limit).
Basically exactly what I expected the map, save for 2
Kudos to Oklahoma. Would not have expected them to have strong anti-child marriage laws
Shame on Illinois. Didn’t expect them to be so receptive of child marriage
Sorry to any other outliars I may have missed. Generally seems to be Republicans in favor of child marriage, with Democratic states banning it