LogFAQs > #974467817

CyborgSage00x0 posted...

That's weird for those states, especially California. If I had to guess for Cali, it likely never happens to make a law about it. Maybe.

https://www.calhealthreport.org/2021/09/10/california-laws-dont-prevent-minors-from-marrying-adults/

In 2018, California Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) proposed a law, SB 273, that would have barred all marriages under age 18. The proposal faced unexpected pushback from several civil rights groups, including Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Childrens Law Center of California.

In a statement opposing the proposed ban, the ACLU said California already has sufficient legal and policy protections in place to protect youth from abuse, and that the data did not indicate that coerced marriage of minors is a widespread problem. Enacting the ban on marriages of minors could drive young people already in abusive relationships further underground, and parents intent on coercing minor children into marriage could simply resort to unofficial ceremonies away from the scrutiny of the courts. Additionally, removing the option to marry before age 18 could prevent young people who want to marry from doing so, the organization said.

Once married, minors in California also become emancipated, allowing them to divorce, hire an attorney and access services for adults, the ACLU said. This is not the case in all states.

Ultimately, lawmakers voted to allow marriages involving minors to continue, but they strengthened the review process for petitions involving youth under age 18. Stipulations include requiring family court staff to interview the parties intending to marry and the parents or guardian separately. Staff also must report to the countys Child Protective Services office if they suspect abuse or coercion.