California Becomes First US State to Ban Child Marriage

California became the first state in the United States to ban child marriage through Assembly Bill 1267, which sets 18 years as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships with no exceptions. The law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on 30 September 2026 and will take effect on 1 January 2027.

Assembly Bill 1267

Assembly Bill 1267 is a state law passed by the California Legislature in 2026. It removes all exceptions that earlier allowed minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. The law applies to both marriage and domestic partnerships in California.

Child Marriage in the United States

Before AB 1267, California was one of three US states, along with New Mexico and Mississippi, that had no fixed minimum age for marriage. In such cases, minors could marry under state law with parental consent and court approval. With this law, California becomes the 18th US state to completely prohibit marriage below 18 years.

Campaign and Legislative Background

The bill was backed by survivors and advocates of child marriage, including Courtney Stodden, Christina Sutton, and Sara Tasneem. The measure was sponsored by Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Earlier attempts to impose an absolute ban faced opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood, and a 2018 measure required judicial and Family Court Services review instead of a full ban.

Important Facts for Exams

• California is the most populous state in the United States and has a state legislature called the California State Legislature.
• Assembly Bill 1267 is a state-level legislative measure, not a federal law of the United States.
• Domestic partnerships are legally recognised relationships under California law.
• Child marriage laws in the United States vary by state because marriage law is primarily regulated at the state level.