Zontians ends child marriage in the state of Washington

On 18 January, the Zonta clubs of North Puget Sound, South Puget Sound and Olympia, USA, met with Unchained at Last to Chain-in for a press event to support the passage of HB1455, the bill to end child marriage in the state of Washington.  In the first week of session, HB 1455 was passed unanimously by representatives.  

On 17 January, District 8's Advocacy Chair Katherine Cleland lobbied key senators on the law and justice committee the day prior with Unchained at Last, the AHA Foundation and survivors.  The group was buoyed by the strong support they heard from both sides of the aisle.  The testimony of the survivors present, Sara, married at 16, and Kate married at age 12 in Washington were essential to the impact of their visits, and to the resulting press.  

Read more about the clubs' actions: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/protesters-urge-wa-lawmakers-to-end-child-marriage/