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Original poster

Campaigners call for child marriage ban in California

29 replies

IwantToRetire · 12/01/2026 19:54

I heard a news story about this on the BBC earlier today.

And was shocked to hear that to put it bluntly the parents of a girl can agree to her getting married if a judge (I think) rubber stamps it.

The child does not have a voice.

Scary and upsetting personal story from a young woman at 12 (?) being married to a man many years older than her.

And campaigners are trying to make this illegal but ACLU think this shouldn't happen.

I cant find a written version so this is linked to a podcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mtds6z

( all the ?s are because I am relying on my memory of what I heard. Also cant remember the name of the campaign group who are active.)

Campaigners call for child marriage ban in California - BBC Sounds

Chelsea Clinton is one of those urging a ban on child marriage in the state.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mtds6z

OP posts:
Original poster
IwantToRetire · 13/01/2026 00:53

Cocomelon67 · 13/01/2026 00:31

In England it’s 18 now. They changed the law.

Show quote history

Apparenlty it is 16 in Scotland without parental consent.

In Northern Ireland it is 16 but with parental consent.

Both marriage and civil partnership.

But when you hear how the parental consent clause is misused in California, makes you realise its not the safe guard it was surely meant to be.

Sad
OP posts:
andIsaid · 13/01/2026 00:52

Courtney Stodden (16) married Doug Hutchinson (50 +) many years ago. I remember being absolutely disgusted by it but more by the media coverage of it.

Almost all focused on the supposed sex appeal of the young teen rather than the perversity of the man. I think on The Rolling Stones also married a 15/16 year old?

This could be a good tool for Republicans against Newsom in the elections. He should get behind change...

Cocomelon67 · 13/01/2026 00:31

JumpingPumpkin · 12/01/2026 23:56

I heard the same. At least it has been banned in a number of US states. Marriage at 16 or 17 is still allowed in the UK unfortunately.

In England it’s 18 now. They changed the law.

JumpingPumpkin · 12/01/2026 23:56

I heard the same. At least it has been banned in a number of US states. Marriage at 16 or 17 is still allowed in the UK unfortunately.