Campaigners call for child marriage ban in California

[IwantToRetire]

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.)

I’ve often thought that - they seem developed but if you scratch surface there are some very detrimental and backward laws and practices. Child marriage being one. Their maternity leave ‘provision’ is brutal. Their legal and justice system seems to be all over the place too.

Add the 'fire at will' so you could lose your job and health insurance because you boss had a bad day.

If you call in sick you are expected to phone around ro get someone to cover your shift.

It's a strange place.

Such as?

Generally, I disagree with this. I think once you're an adult and obligated to pay tax, then that should be it. The 21 age for alcohol in the US seems ludicrous to me. Some people have three years of military service under their belt, are married, and have two kids before they can legally have a drink.

Karma Nirvana is deeply concerned by today’s court outcome in which an Imam, who conducted illegal marriage ceremonies for two 16-year-olds, received a suspended sentence. Under UK law, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to marry in England and Wales.

This case highlights the very concerns we raised in our “One Year On” report assessing the impact of the new legislation in 2024. In the report, we warned that poor implementation and lack of awareness about the law were creating risks that children could still be subjected to illegal marriages. The defendant claimed he was unaware the law had changed – a point that echoes what we continue to hear on our National Honour Based Abuse Helpline. Even today, victims and families report that safeguarding professionals, including social workers, are sometimes unaware that the law now prohibits under-18 marriages, leaving children at risk.

Child marriage is not only illegal but harmful, disrupting education, creating dependency, and increasing vulnerability to exploitation. Faith and community leaders have a critical responsibility to ensure children are protected and that the law is followed.

Full statement here https://karmanirvana.org.uk/news-item/northampton-imam-who-conducted-illegal-marriage-of-16-year-olds-given-a-suspended-15-week-jail-sentence/