Updated

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning child marriage in the state, calling it a 'long overdue measure to protect young Californians.' The practice remains legal in 32 other US states, highlighting a patchwork of laws nationwide regarding the marriage age. The move adds California to a growing list of states that have closed loopholes allowing minors to marry, often with parental or judicial consent, and is expected to fuel renewed advocacy for similar bans elsewhere.