California lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban marriage for anyone under the age of 18, with no exceptions. The proposal would establish 18 as the state’s minimum legal age for marriage, ending California’s current practice of allowing minors to marry with parental consent and court approval. California is one of only three states that does not have a minimum legal marriage age. Supporters say the bill would better protect children from forced and exploitative marriages. Opponents, including ACLU California Action, argue that marriage can provide important legal protections for pregnant minors and teenage parents, including access to healthcare, inheritance rights, and family benefits. They also warn the measure could unintentionally isolate young people in abusive relationships by making it harder to access legal protections and support services. National data shows that more than 300,000 minors were married in the United States between 2000 and 2018, with most being girls who married adults.
