Girls in Ohio could remain exposed to forced and abusive marriages because state senators have yet to vote on legislation that would make marriage under 18 illegal. The delay has drawn criticism from survivors and advocates, who say lawmakers are allowing a legal loophole to remain in place despite growing calls for stronger protections.
During a 10 November press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, campaigners challenged senators over their failure to advance Senate Bill 341 before the legislative session ends in December. Fraidy Reiss, founder and executive director of Unchained At Last, questioned why lawmakers were refusing to act.
'Ohio senators, why are you giving a giant middle finger to girls across the state? Why are you refusing to pass SB 341 and ban child marriage?' Reiss asked. She added, 'Ohio Senators, it's time to stop protecting creepy men who prey on high school girls. It is time to stop giving your middle finger to girls in Ohio.'
Advocates Say Senators Are Failing Girls
The delay has frustrated survivors who believe children should not be placed in marriages they may struggle to leave. Senate President Rob McColley has indicated that he would support the legislation but wants to discuss the proposal with members of his caucus first. However, advocates argue that continued discussions mean little if lawmakers refuse to bring the bill forward for a vote.
The legislation unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in June 2026 but has yet to receive a full Senate floor vote. DeMora has also threatened to offer the child marriage ban as an amendment to other legislation brought before the Senate. The move could put senators on record over whether they support the proposed protections.
For campaigners, the issue goes beyond political disagreements. They argue that delaying the legislation leaves minors vulnerable to marriages that can involve unequal power, abuse and limited opportunities to seek help.
Ohio Law Still Allows Minors to Marry
Ohio's current marriage laws allow some 17-year-olds to marry if they receive juvenile court approval and meet additional requirements. They must also marry someone no more than four years older.
Senate Bill 341 would remove these exceptions and establish 18 as the minimum marriage age, without exceptions. Advocates say the existing rules create serious problems because minors who enter marriages can face adult responsibilities without having the same legal rights and independence as adults.
A child experiencing domestic abuse, for example, may struggle to find housing, manage finances or leave a marriage without assistance. Being legally married does not automatically give minors the ability to navigate these situations independently.
The scale of the issue has also raised concerns. More than 5,000 children in Ohio have married as minors between 2000 and 2019. Across the United States, nearly 300,000 minors married between 2000 and 2018. Supporters of the legislation argue that setting a firm minimum age would close the loophole and prevent children from entering marriages before they are legally considered adults.
Survivor Describes the Cost of Child Marriage
Stephanie Lowry, who married at 16, shared how early marriage affected her ability to protect herself and her child. Lowry became pregnant at 15 and said she was pressured into marrying the child's father. The relationship later became abusive, leaving her struggling to find a way out.
Although she wanted to leave, her age created another obstacle. She could not independently secure housing, eventually becoming homeless with her nine-month-old child. Lowry argued that the law should not allow children to carry adult responsibilities without the rights and protections that come with adulthood.
The proposed ban now faces a limited opportunity to become law. If the Senate does not approve the bill before the legislative session ends, supporters will have to pursue its passage again in the next General Assembly.
