New Jersey was THIS close to passing commonsense legislation to end child marriage, until Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin pulled A865 from the assembly agenda on May 24 at the request of Asm. Gary Schaer, who wants to weaken the bill and leave children at risk of forced child marriage.

We at Unchained At Last, in partnership with the National Organization for Women of New Jersey and Westfield 20/20, urge you to Chain-In with us outside Asm. Gary Schaer's office on June 3. We'll wear bridal gowns and veils, with our arms chained and mouths taped, to show Schaer and other legislators what life looks like for a girl who is forced to marry.

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:

• Deb Huber, National Organization for Women of New Jersey
• Rachel Gallagher, Westfield 20/20
• Kelly Flannery, Human Rights Watch
• Naila Amin, Naila Amin Foundation
• Fraidy Reiss, Unchained At Last

Ending Child Marriage in New Jersey

We lead a growing national movement to end child marriage in America by eliminating the legal loopholes that allow, and even encourage, child marriage. Child marriage remains legal in 49 U.S. states; 20 states, including New Jersey don't specify ANY minimum age for marriage.

In New Jersey, children age 16 or 17 can marry with parental "consent," which is often parental "coercion," and children of any age under 16 can marry with 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 permission from the City of Passaic.

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 sidewalk in front of Asm. Gary Schaer's office.

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

A: Please arrive at 11 a.m. to sign in and get into Chain-In attire. The actual Chain-In will begin 11:30 a.m. and end by 12:30 p.m.

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 Assembly Speaker Coughlin and urge him to put the bill back on the agenda.
• 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, follow Unchained on Twitter and Instagram, and make sure you're on the Unchained email list.
• 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.

This Chain-In is made possible by generous support from Lush Charity Pot.