# California marriage protection legislation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-marriage-protection-legislation
> Updated: 2026-10-03T19:31:26.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

California has enacted new legislation to combat child and forced marriage. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267, which bans child marriage by establishing 18 as the absolute minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships, removing previous exceptions for parental or judicial consent.

Following this, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2534, making California the first state to establish a legal restraining order specifically to protect victims of forced marriage. This law recognizes forced marriage as a form of domestic violence and allows both children and adults to seek protection to prevent ceremonies in civil, religious, or cultural contexts. The forced marriage protections are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: California Governor Newsom signs diverse new legislative measures

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of California laws covering food labeling, religious holidays, ticket buyer protections, immigrant rights, and juvenile justice reforms.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gavin-newsom-signs-1040-bills-including-californias-first-forced-marriage-protection-law

### 2026-09-30: California bans child marriage with new law setting age at 18

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267, banning marriage for anyone under 18. The law removes previous exceptions for parental and judicial consent, making California the 18th state to outlaw child age

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-bans-child-marriage-with-new-law-setting-age-at-18

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Cite as: California marriage protection legislation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-marriage-protection-legislation