Chain-In Lansing, MI
Start: Thursday, May 04, 2023•09:30 AM
End: Thursday, May 04, 2023•10:15 AM
Host contact info admin@unchainedatlast.org
Child marriage is an urgent problem in Michigan. Dangerous legal loopholes allow parents to enter a child of ANY AGE into marriage without any input required from the child, and without any real legal recourse for a child who does not want to marry.
Our research shows that 5,426 children, some as young as 14, were married in Michigan between 2000 and 2021. Twelve of them were not even old enough to consent to sex. Some 95 percent of the children wed were girls married to adult men an average of 4.3 years older -- often with devastating, lifelong consequences for the girls. There's a reason the U.S. State Department has called marriage before 18 a "human rights abuse."
This calls for a protest.
We at Unchained At Last urge you to Chain-In with us in Lansing on May 4. We'll gather on the West Steps of the Michigan State Capitol wearing bridal gowns and veils, with our arms chained and mouths taped, to protest child marriage and urge legislators to pass HB4297-4302/SB209-217 & SB246, the simple, commonsense bill package that would end child marriage in Michigan. Then we'll march into the capitol building.
We provide the bridal gowns, veils and chains. All you need to do is register on this page - and join us to insist Michigan legislators end child marriage!
Speakers include:
- Sen. Sarah Anthony, legislative champion
- Rep. Kara Hope, legislative champion
- Fraidy Reiss, Founder/Executive Director, Unchained At Last
- Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Unchained At Last
- Denise Sylvester, Co-Chair, Zonta International District 15
- Michele Hanash, Director of Policy and Women's Programs, AHA Foundation
- Courtney Kosnik, child marriage survivor
- Arlene Nyhof, child marriage survivor
- Nina Van Harn, forced marriage survivor
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.
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.)
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. 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 female. 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 begin on the West Steps outside the Michigan State Capitol at 100 N. Capitol Ave. in Lansing. It will continue with a march into the capitol building.
Q: What time does the Chain-In begin and end?
A: Please arrive at the West Steps by 9:00 a.m. on May 4 to sign in and get into Chain-In attire. The Chain-In will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end by 10:15 a.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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