Chain-In Columbus, OH
Start: Wednesday, June 03, 2026•01:00 PM
End: Wednesday, June 03, 2026•02:00 PM
Location: Ohio Statehouse• 1 Capitol Sq., Columbus , OH 43215 US
Host contact info admin@unchainedatlast.org
Ohio legislators are refusing to move simple, commonsense legislation to ban child marriage.
SB341 would set the marriage age at 18, no exceptions. It would end a human rights abuse that destroys girls’ lives, creates a nightmarish legal trap for them and legalizes the trafficking of teens under the guise of marriage.
The bill has received no public opposition. It would cost NOTHING and harm NO ONE, and it would profoundly improve the lives of girls: Of the 53 teens married in Ohio between 2020 and 2024, almost all – 90 percent – were girls wed to adult men.
States across the U.S. have banned all marriage before 18.
Yet Ohio legislators are refusing to vote on SB341.
This calls for a protest.
We at Unchained At Last urge you to Chain-In with us in Columbus on June 3. We'll gather at the statehouse wearing bridal gowns and veils, with our arms chained and mouths taped, to protest forced and child marriage and urge legislators to pass SB341.
We provide the bridal gowns, veils and chains. All you need to do is register on this page - and join us to insist Ohio legislators stand up for girls!
**THE DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING AN UNCHAINED BRIDAL GOWN HAS PASSED. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN.**
Speakers include:
- Stephanie Lowry, survivor advocate and mentor
- Rosanne Dunlap, Zonta District 5
- Michele Hanash, AHA Foundation
- Anastasia Law, Equality Now
- Chris Graham, citizen lobbyist
- Fraidy Reiss, Unchained At Last
Ending Child Marriage in the United States
We at Unchained started and now lead a growing national movement to end child marriage in the United States by making the marriage age 18, no exceptions, in all 50 states.
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 the United States.
Chain-In FAQs
Q: I don't have a bridal gown and veil. What should I do?
A: No problem. Simply indicate when you register that you want us to loan you a free gown and veil, and tell us what size you are. (We have an arsenal of some 100+ bridal gowns that people have donated to us for use at Chain-Ins.) Please only request a gown if you are certain you will attend and you are certain you need to borrow a gown. In the event that you cannot attend the Chain-In following your registration, a donation to Unchained is greatly appreciated.
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: The full Chain-In experience involves wearing a bridal gown and chains, but if that makes you uncomfortable, we still want you to protest with us.
Q: I do not identify as a woman. Should I still join and wear a bridal gown and veil?
A: Yes, please! You are encouraged to join and to wear a gown and veil regardless of your gender identity.
Q: Should I bring my own chains and tape?
A: No, we will provide free plastic chains and comfortable tape.
Q: Is this legal?
A: Yes, we have the backing of the First Amendment, and we have permission to hold this Chain-In.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Chain-In?
A: Joining the Chain-In is free - but please consider donating to help offset the cost of the Chain-In and to help us fight forced and child marriage in the U.S. through direct services and systems change.
Q: Where is the exact Chain-In location?
A: The Chain-In will take place outside on the North Plaza of the Ohio Statehouse (near the Broad St. entrance) at 1 Capitol Sq. in Columbus.
Q: What time does the Chain-In begin and end?
A: Please plan to arrive by 12:30 p.m. to sign in and change into Chain-In attire. The Chain-In will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end by 2:00 p.m.
Q: Will the Chain-In proceed in case of bad weather?
A: Yes, we will Chain-In regardless of weather conditions.
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:
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