Dating someone under 18 in california

That creates what some advocates see as a loophole in which the act of marriage can sanction what would otherwise be a crime.Īlthough child marriage is recognized as a human rights violation by the United Nations, there is no minimum age requirement to become married in California. But the state’s definition of unlawful sexual activity between an adult and a minor applies only if they are not married. In California, the age of sexual consent is 18 without exception, and anyone over that age engaging in intercourse with a minor can be charged with statutory rape. They were there to call on state lawmakers to outlaw child marriage.

Some of their mouths were taped shut and chains were wrapped around their wrists veils blowing in the wind. She and about 20 other women traveled to Sacramento this summer, wearing white wedding dresses outside the state Capitol. Her father and ex-husband did not return requests for comment from The Times.