Minor marriages often involve a young girl with an older man, may cover up abuse or human trafficking, and are considered a human rights violation. Even in the best of circumstances, between 70 and 80% of marriages involving a minor end in divorce, highlighting the instability of these relationships.

Choosing when and whom to marry is one of life’s most important decisions and should be made with adult capacity and emotional maturity. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment formed by the free and full consent of both spouses. Setting the age of consent to marriage at 18 in statute would protect minors from abuse and encourage young people to fully recognize the significance of marriage. 

Urge your state senator to raise the age of consent for marriage to 18 in CA.