1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing today to express my strong support for Senate Bill 341, which would set the legal minimum age for marriage in Ohio to 18 with no exceptions. While Ohio made progress in 2019 by raising the marriage age, the current "loophole" for 17-year-olds continues to put young people at risk. Marriage is a serious legal contract with lifelong implications. As a state, we do not allow minors to vote, serve on a jury, or enter most legal contracts, yet we still allow them to enter into a marriage that may leave them legally and financially vulnerable. Advocates and survivors have clearly outlined the dangers of the current law: -- Legal Barriers: Minors who marry are often unable to access domestic violence shelters or legal aid because of their age, making it nearly impossible to escape an abusive situation. -- Power Imbalance: Even a small age gap can create a significant power dynamic that leaves a minor susceptible to exploitation. -- Consistency: Raising the age to 18 aligns marriage with other adult rights and responsibilities, ensuring that those entering this contract have reached the age of legal majority. Sixteen other states have already taken this step to protect children and ensure that marriage remains an institution for consenting adults. I urge you to support SB 341 and help Ohio join them in ending child marriage once and for all. Thank you for your time and for your service to our district. I look forward to hearing your position on this important issue.