Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Wednesday banning child marriage in California and setting the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships at 18, his office announced.

Assembly Bill 1267, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, repeals provisions that allowed minors to marry or enter domestic partnerships with parental consent. The legislation prohibits anyone under 18 from being issued a marriage license or establishing a domestic partnership.

“This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors. Today, California kids are safer than ever before,” Newsom said.

Newsom signed the bill in his office alongside advocate Courtney Stodden, who was 16 when her parents allowed her to marry 50-year-old actor Doug Hutchison. Stodden has characterized the relationship as abusive and predatory and has since become an advocate against child exploitation.

“Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden,” Stodden said.

Survivors Speak About Their Experiences

Pellerin credited survivors who spoke about their experiences with child marriage and the challenges minors can face when trying to leave.

“They told us what it means to be a child in a marriage you did not freely choose. They told us about coercion and abuse hidden behind the appearance of consent. They told us how difficult it can be for a minor to ask for help, find an attorney, leave home, or escape the very adults who are supposed to protect them. Because of them, California children are safer,” Pellerin said.

The bill was sponsored by Unchained At Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

Under previous California law, a person under 18 could marry after obtaining a court order and written consent from at least one parent or guardian. AB 1267 eliminates that authorization.

According to the governor’s office, 17 U.S. states have completely banned child marriage without exception.

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