title
CC - (1) Discussion of a Potential Resolution to Support State Legislation to End Child Marriage; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
body
Meeting Date: April 19, 2021
Contact Person/Dept: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) California Coalition to End Child Marriage and Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/15/2021).
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar (04/15/2021)
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss a resolution to support state legislation to end child marriage; and (2) provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
California is one of only 13 states, in which there is no minimum age for marriage by statute. Global Hope 365 indicates the cities of Irvine, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa have adopted a Resolution, and a proposed Resolution is pending discussion in 17 cities and counties, including Culver City’s discussion of the issue at the April 12, 2021 City Council Meeting.
The California Coalition to End Child Marriage is convened to educate and bring awareness to current laws in California that allow for the abuse of minors. The Coalition, including all its partners, advocates for the adoption of legislation that restricts marriage to a contract between two consenting adults at a minimum age of 18. These laws are called “No Child Marriage, No Exceptions” laws.
At the February 1, 2021 City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor Lee received City Council consensus to agendize discussion of a resolution against child marriage, which is still legal in California, and he mentioned he had been working with a group bringing awareness to child marriage and human trafficking. Staff is seeking the City Council’s direction, as this item is not addressed in the City’s Legislative and Policy Platform. Global Hope 365 and California Coalition to End Child Marriage has provided a sample resolution announcing the City's commitment to call on the State Legislature to introduce and pass legislation to end child marriage in California (Attachment 1).
If directed by the City Council, staff would return at the next City Council meeting with a proposed City resolution for City Council’s consideration and potential adoption.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Discussion and direction regarding this matter does not create a fiscal impact to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
2021-04-19__ATT__CA Coalition to End Child Marriage Sample Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Discuss a resolution to support state legislation to end child marriage; and
2. Provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.