Courtney Stodden Advocates for Ending Child Marriage in California

Courtney Stodden, known for marrying at 16, is actively campaigning for a California bill banning child marriage without exceptions. This push follows actor Jason Alexander’s apology for a 2012 comedy sketch involving Stodden, then 17, sparking renewed focus on her advocacy.

Early Marriage and Advocacy

Stodden gained international attention in 2011 after marrying Doug Hutchison at 16, with parental consent making it legal despite her being a minor. The couple divorced in 2020. Since then, she has become a vocal opponent of child marriage in the U.S., where it’s still legal in 33 states under certain conditions like parental consent or a judicial waiver. In California, Assembly Bill 1267 might change this situation, proposing a ban on marriage for anyone under 18 after passing in the California Assembly.

Newsweek has reached out to Stodden’s representative for a comment on her current advocacy efforts.

Apology and Reflection

Stodden’s advocacy was brought to the forefront when she revisited a 2012 sketch by Funny or Die where Jason Alexander, at 52, joked about her as a 17-year-old. She reflected that the sketch highlighted how adults accepted her involvement in inappropriate settings, pointing to a need for stronger child protection laws.

Alexander apologized, expressing regret for any distress caused. Stodden appreciated the apology but emphasized the need for meaningful action. She invited Alexander to support AB 1267 to ensure such laws offer children better protection.

Progress of Assembly Bill 1267

The bill, supported by both Republican and Democratic Assemblymembers, aims to set 18 as the minimum marriage age in California, removing any exceptions. A 2021 analysis showed more than 8,000 children, mostly girls, married in California in the prior year, highlighting the bill’s importance. The U.N. views all marriages under 18 as forced since children can’t give informed consent.

Reflecting on Her Marriage

Stodden continues to discuss her past marriage, describing feelings of being groomed and abused. Despite appreciating her former husband, she expressed enduring anger. Hutchinson, Stodden’s former husband, acknowledged knowing their union would provoke reactions due to their age difference, but he expressed no regrets, considering it a pivotal part of his life.

Stodden’s story inspired a 2025 TV movie, “I Was a Child Bride,” and she has appeared on reality TV. Her efforts remain focused on passing AB 1267, urging supporters through platforms like Instagram to push for legislative change.