California Bans Child Marriage as Courtney Stodden Looks On

California just erased a controversial exception in its marriage laws. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a measure that bars anyone under 18 from marrying or entering a domestic partnership, even with parental consent, and approved a companion bill allowing children and adults to seek restraining orders against those trying to force them into marriage. Previously, child marriages were allowed in the state with parental approval, with no minimum age on the books, per the San Francisco Chronicle. The new law takes effect Jan. 1. "This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors," said Newsom. "Today, California kids are safer than ever before."

The Tahirih Justice Center's Casey Carter Swegman called the new laws "the most comprehensive framework in the United States" against forced and child marriage. Assembly Member Gail Pellerin, who authored the child marriage ban, said it was based on survivor stories "about coercion and abuse hidden behind the appearance of consent." Courtney Stodden, the former child bride who married 50-something actor Doug Hutchison in 2011, stood alongside Newsom as he signed the legislation and called for continued efforts to ban child marriage in all 50 states, per the BBC. There was pushback, however. The ACLU opposed the ban, arguing that marriage is a fundamental right and has benefits for young parents, who may now face "serious unintended harm."