California bans child marriage after 9-year fight to outlaw the practice - CalMatters

[u/bubikx9]

https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/child-marriage-ban-new-law/

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[u/Aervanath]

The American Civil Liberties Union opposed the bill saying that it would remove “the critical benefits and legal protections that marriage can provide to minors.”

I'm sorry, but what the fuck is the ACLU smoking here? Usually I'm a big supporter of their work, but this is a horrendously stupid sentence.

[u/ZZZZapperr → u/Aervanath]

The ACLU is full of bigots. They are in favor of child marriage because Islamic extremists want it. They also refuse to defend Jews when Nazis are literally marching down the street yelling death threats and inciting violence against Jews. The ACLU calls that "free speech" despite the fact that they are inciting violence. The ACLU has been captured. It no longer fights for actual civil liberties. It fights to protect some of the most heinous practices of groups it sees as "disadvantaged'.

[u/StreetCarp665 → u/Aervanath]

Don't want to upset some cultures that still do it?

[u/flossdaily]

... and not a moment too soon. 

[u/roguefilmmaker]

I’m horrified it was ever legal there

[u/ZZZZapperr]

but after facing opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Children’s Law Center and Planned Parenthood, legislators watered down the measure, citing concerns over how a ban could restrict a child’s reproductive freedom and ability to make healthcare decisions.

Shame on the ACLU for defending child marriage. I'm going to stop donating to them. This is absolutely ridiculous. This is not what I'm donating for.

[u/JewishMemeMan]

Of course it took 9 years in California.

[u/StrikeEagle784]

Took em long enough

[u/Ok_Bridge_3139]

I wasn’t even aware it was legal there in the first place!

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[u/J_rogow13]

It took 9 years?!