California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states

California has become the 41st US state to ban child marriage, outlawing weddings for those under 18 without court approval. The law, which takes effect immediately, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The ban does not apply to pregnant teenagers but does allow for marriage with court permission for 16- and 17-year-olds in exceptional circumstances. This new law aims to protect children from forced marriages and exploitation. Currently, 32 US states allow child marriage without any minimum age restrictions, with 20 of those states having no minimum age limit. According to Unchained at Last, a group that advocates against child marriage, over 248,000 children in the US have been married before the age of 18 since 2000.