Child marriage is an urgent problem in Massachusetts.

Legal loopholes here allow children of any age to marry. Between 2000 and 2016, some 1,231 children in Massachusetts as young as 14 had already been married. And almost all the children who marry in the U.S. are girls wed to adult men - often with devastating, lifelong consequences for the girls. In fact, the U.S. State Department has called marriage before 18 a "human rights abuse."

By not specifying a minimum age for marriage, Massachusetts' laws are in line with laws in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

This calls for a protest.

We at Unchained At Last urge you to Chain-In with us in Boston on March 27. We'll gather on the third floor State House balcony outside of the House chamber wearing bridal gowns and veils, with our arms chained and mouths taped, to protest child marriage. We'll urge legislators to pass H1478/S24, the simple, commonsense bill that would end child marriage in Massachusetts.

We provide the bridal gowns, veils and chains, all at no cost. All you need to do is register on this page - and join us to make some noise!

Speakers include:

• Rep. Kay Khan, Primary Sponsor, H1478
• Sen. Harriette Chandler, Primary Sponsor, S24
• Maria Mossaides, Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
• Nesha Abiraj, Human Rights Watch
• Amanda Parker, AHA Foundation
• Fraidy Reiss, Unchained At Last

Ending Child Marriage in America

We lead a growing national movement to end child marriage in America by eliminating the legal loopholes in all 50 states and at the federal level that allow, and even encourage, child marriage. Eighteen states, including Massachusetts, do not specify any minimum age for marriage.

In Massachusetts, children of any age under 18 can marry with parental "consent," which is often parental "coercion," and judicial approval. The judicial review process does not protect children: It does not specify any criteria a judge must consider before approving the marriage of a child. Further, in Unchained's experience, a child who is forced to marry also is forced to lie to the court about it.

Child marriage is often forced marriage, because children face overwhelming legal and practical barriers if they try to leave home, enter a domestic violence shelter, retain an attorney or bring a legal action such as a divorce before they turn 18. Further, child marriage destroys girls' health, education and economic opportunities and significantly increases their risk of being beaten by their spouse.

Join the movement. Chain-In with us to demand an end to this human-rights abuse.

Read more here about Chain-Ins, the powerful form of peaceful protest that we invented to raise awareness of forced and child marriage in America.

Chain-In FAQs

Q: I don't have a bridal gown and veil. What should I do?

A: No problem. Wear a white top, and indicate when you register that you want Unchained to loan you a free veil and a free gown you can wear over your own clothing or instead of it. (You are encouraged to wear a gown and veil regardless of your gender identity.)

Q: I prefer not to wear bridal clothing and/or not to chain my arms or tape my mouth. May I still join the Chain-In?

A: Absolutely!

Q: Should I bring my own chains and tape?

A: No, do not bring your own chains and tape. Unchained will provide free plastic chains and comfortable tape.

Q: Is this legal?

A: Yes, the Chain-In is completely legitimate. Unchained has the backing of the First Amendment and a permit from the City of Boston.

Q: How much does it cost to join the Chain-In?

A: Joining the Chain-In is free - but please consider donating to Unchained to help offset the cost of the Chain-In and to help women and girls across the U.S. who are fleeing forced marriages.

Q: Where is the exact Chain-In location?

A: The Chain-In will be held on the third floor balcony outside the House chamber in the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

Q: What time does the Chain-In begin and end?

A: Please arrive at 9:30 a.m. to sign in and get into Chain-In attire. The actual Chain-In will begin at 10 a.m. and end by 11

Q: Will the Chain-In proceed in case of bad weather?

A: The protest will proceed unless officials declare a state of emergency.

Q: How else can I help end child and forced marriage?

A: Whether or not you can join the Chain-In, please take these steps:

• Email your legislators and governor to urge them to pass pending legislation to end child marriage.
• Support Unchained financially. Even a small donation makes a big difference to a woman or a girl fleeing a forced marriage.
• Stay updated on news about forced and child marriage in the U.S. "Like” Unchained on Facebook and follow Unchained on Twitter and Instagram.
• Volunteer your time to help a woman or a girl who is facing a forced marriage. Unchained relies on the kindness of pro bono attorneys, psychotherapists and others.

Other Upcoming Chain-Ins

• Chain-In Philadelphia | TBD