My name is Vilas Wright, and I am a survivor of child marriage. I founded the Maryland Coalition to End Child Marriage to protect children across our state from being subjected to marriage before they reach adulthood.

​

We are a coalition of survivors and dedicated volunteers united by a common purpose: to dismantle the legal loopholes that allow child marriage to persist in Maryland. We believe no child should be placed in a position where their childhood, autonomy, safety, and future can be compromised by marriage.

​

Our mission is to secure comprehensive legal reform establishing 18 as the absolute minimum age for marriage in Maryland, without exceptions. We are committed to closing the loopholes that undermine children's protections and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up, pursue their own future, and make life-changing decisions as an adult.

​

Childhood must be protected. Marriage must wait until adulthood. And Maryland's law must leave no child behind.