Coerced marriage.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill modifies California law regarding forced marriages. It removes a specific crime related to compelling a person to be defiled in marriage, while maintaining the prohibition against compelling a person to marry against their will. The bill also extends the timeframe for seeking a judgment of nullity of marriage if consent was obtained through force, allowing a court to grant permission to file a petition beyond the standard four-year period upon a showing of good cause. It also clarifies that the crime of forcing marriage applies equally regardless of the victim's age at the time of the marriage.
Key provisions
- Eliminates the crime of compelling a person to be defiled in marriage.
- Allows a court to grant permission to file a petition for nullity of marriage beyond the standard four-year period if consent was obtained by force.
- Requires the Judicial Council to modify forms to implement the changes.
- Clarifies that the crime of forcing a marriage applies regardless of the victim’s age.
- Updates Section 2211 of the Family Code to reflect these changes.
- Amends Section 265 of the Penal Code to ensure equal application of the forced marriage crime regardless of victim’s age.
Who is affected
- Victims of forced marriage
- Individuals seeking to annul a marriage due to coercion
- Family members and legal guardians of minors involved in forced marriages
- Courts and legal professionals involved in family law proceedings
Bill text
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