California legislature votes to ban child marriage and empower forced marriage victims

California's legislature has passed two bills, AB 1267 and AB 2534, aimed at banning child marriage and empowering victims of forced marriage. AB 1267 would prohibit marriage for individuals under 18, making California the 18th state to fully ban child marriage. AB 2534 integrates forced marriage into the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, allowing victims to obtain civil restraining orders against those who coerce or facilitate unwanted unions. Both bills await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature and, if signed, will take effect on January 1, 2027. Sadia Khan, a survivor, stated, "I know what it feels like to have your choices taken from you."