Courtney Stodden works to eradicate child marriage
ABC News
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Video Summary
Courtney Stodden, who controversially married a man three times her age at 16, is now an advocate fighting to end child marriage. Her marriage, legally permitted with parental consent, ignited national outrage due to the significant age gap and Stodden's minor status. Despite her ex-husband's claims of deception, Stodden is pushing for a California bill to set 18 as the minimum marriage age, arguing that children cannot legally consent to marriage.
Her advocacy is fueled by her own devastating experience, which she says stripped her of innocence, education, and self-worth. Stodden's efforts also extend to holding public figures accountable, as seen in her response to a past comedy sketch that she now views as exploitative. She aims to transform her pain into power, striving to protect other children from similar fates.
Short Highlights
- Child marriage remains legal in California with parental consent.
- Courtney Stodden, married at 16 to a 51-year-old, advocates for an 18-year-old minimum marriage age.
- Stodden's marriage was legal due to her mother's consent, a decision later regretted.
- The ACLU opposes the bill, citing potential legal protections for pregnant minors.
- Stodden aims to prevent other children from experiencing similar exploitation.
Key Details
A Child Bride's Story [0:00]
- Courtney Stodden married actor Doug Hutchison at 16, a union that sparked national controversy due to the 35-year age difference.
- The marriage was legally permissible because Stodden's mother provided consent, a decision her mother later regretted.
- Stodden describes herself as naive and seeking love at the time, later realizing she was groomed into believing false affections.
"When Courtney Stodden was just 16, she married a man three times her age, a Hollywood actor older than her father."
National Backlash and Legal Loopholes [0:48]
- The marriage drew widespread shock and criticism, particularly because it involved a minor and was facilitated by parental consent.
- Stodden's mother's consent was crucial for the marriage's legality in California.
- The public reaction often cast Stodden as the villain, despite her status as a child in the marriage.
"And I think what made this an even bigger headline was the realization that her parents had signed off on this happening."
Advocacy and Legislative Push [3:01]
- Now 31, Stodden is a vocal advocate working with groups like Unchained at Last to ban child marriage, pushing for a bill in California to set 18 as the minimum age.
- She emphasizes that children cannot legally consent to marriage and that the bill is about child protection, not politics.
- California Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin supports the bill, stating children should not be married.
"I was a child, not a bride. I wish people knew that children cannot consent to marriage."
Opposition and Stodden's Resolve [4:18]
- The ACLU California Action opposes the bill, arguing that marriage can offer critical legal protections for pregnant minors and young parents.
- Stodden acknowledges the ACLU's role but remains focused on protecting children by establishing a firm minimum age of 18.
- She views her past marriage as devastating, having taken her innocence, education, and self-worth.
"My focus is on protecting children, and I believe setting the minimum marriage age at 18 is the clearest and strongest way that we can do that."
