California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a child marriage ban, prompting survivor and campaigner Courtney Stodden to celebrate the new law and thank him for protecting minors.
AB 1267, signed by Mr Newsom in his office on Wednesday, sets the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnerships in California at 18. It also repeals provisions that previously allowed minors to marry with parental consent.
The governor described the legislation as “a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors”, adding: “Today, California kids are safer than ever before.”
Stodden, who attended the signing ceremony, later wrote on Instagram: “A girl can dream … and sometimes the governor signs it into law.”
She added: “Today I watched Governor Newsom sign AB 1267, ending child marriage in California. I spent years wishing someone had protected the little girl I used to be. Today, California protected the next one.”
Stodden then thanked the governor in more personal terms, writing: “And yes, I called him Daddy Newsom. What can I say? I’ve always had a weakness for a man with a pen.”
Stodden’s parents allowed her to marry actor Doug Hutchison when she was 16 and he was 50. She has described the relationship as abusive and predatory, and it attracted widespread public scrutiny.
Since divorcing Hutchison, Stodden has spoken about the emotional impact of the relationship and become an advocate against child exploitation.
She also thanked Unchained At Last and fellow survivors, writing: “California is only the beginning. All 50, baby.”
Seventeen states have completely banned child marriage without exception.
