On Tuesday, July 21st, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney(D-New York) will propose the Women’s Equality Amendment to the United States Constitution.
To thank her, contact her at her DC office: 2332 Rayburn HOB, Washingon DC, 20515 (Phone # (202) 225-7944) or her Manhttan office: 1651 3rd Avenue Suite 311, New York, New York 10128 (Phone # (212) 860-0606.
If you’re in DC and interested in celebrating, join NOW and Congresswoman Maloney at 10am at the House Triangle near the Capitol.
This brings up the question, is this amendment still necessary? Is amending the Constitution the best form of change, or should we look for other means? Post your thoughts in the comments below!
July 19, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Below is a message I posted on Facebook on July 16. I say YES, it is ABSOLUTELY necessary that we pass the ERA.
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ERA? Come on, it’s 2009…yes…but we still need this, so let’s finally pass it!
Kudos to my NOW sister in New York, Marcia Pappas for an excellent email blast. I’m pasting part of her message here.
What can I say? ERA YES! ERA NOW! Come on, it’s 2009…it’s time…and sadly, we still need this.
[a few more comments from me below the quoted info]
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To the women and men who believe in justice for all: Do you know that women are not represented in the U.S. Constitution?
For 86 years, brave women and men who believe in justice have been standing up and demanding a Women’s Equality Amendment, or what many people know as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
That’s right… your daughter, your mother, you grandmother, your wife, you aunts and nieces. ALL of the women in your lives do not have equal representation under the law.
It’s time to remind Congress and President Obama that women make up over 50% of the population. Women are working, and tax paying citizens. Taxation without representation is not acceptable.
The National Organization for Women-New York State and other NOW leaders around the country will stand with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as she proudly re- introduces the WOMEN’S EQUALITY AMENDMENT on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, July 21st, at 10 a.m.
Equality Amendment States:
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
It’s simple justice…right? Think again. Here are the facts.
Since 1923, when the legendary Alice Paul first introduced the first Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), it has been introduced in Congress; it has been introduced every year! Every year, women watch and wait to see if we have a Congress and/or President who will finally change our U.S. Constitution so that women are equally represented. Disappointment comes every year followed by a collective sigh.
It’s time; once again, to make the push Women’s Equality Amendment. Many women, whom I have spoken to have either given up the fight, don’t think we need an Equality Amendment or think we already have equality. And yes, we are all tired, but we must mobilize everyone to make this happen. We now have a Congress and a President who support women’s rights. Congresswoman Maloney has taken a strong stand on this issue. Let’s stand behind her and make it happen. Show your support for putting women’s rights in the U.S. Constitution.
We need as many organizations and individuals as possible to join with us to demonstrate the breadth and intensity of our commitment to equal rights. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help financially. With just $10, we will put your name on our web site. Every week, we will update the list on our web site until Congress passes the Women’s Equality Amendment. We must show solidarity on this issue.
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And I am asking YOU to donate to Minnesota NOW so WE can carry on the good work of bringing women into full equality with men in all aspects of life.
Not only is this critical for women, it’s vital for children and famliies…and men, you need us as your full and rightful peers, too.
Consider the benefits to everyone when we embrace gender, but aren’t obsessed with it (whether in a positive or negative way); the benefits when we all earn equal pay for equal work; the benefits of equal health care and insurance (do you know how much more women pay than men? wow.)…and so very much more.
I’m counting on you. So are millions of other women and girls.
Be well, be strong, be informed, speak out!
Jessica
July 17, 2009 at 8:40 am
Hey, I like vintage clothes & music–why not support a vintage idea like constitutional equality?!
It’s time for us to finish the work that our foremothers started.
August 2, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Yes, ERA NOW.
If not now, then when?
If not NOW, then who?
I almost pity the male Legislator that has to go home and tell his wife or daughter that he wouldn’t vote to make them his equal, and there’s no kind words to describe that special place for the Woman Legislator who would vote against it.