Congresswoman Lee Statement on Today’s Equal Rights Amendment Hearing
Washington, D.C. – In response to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil Rights meeting on the Equal Rights Amendment held on April 30, 2019, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-D) released the following statement:
“Today is a historic day for America where, for the first time in 36 years, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil Rights will have its first hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA will enshrine women’s equality in the Constitution by prohibiting discrimination based on sex. This hearing is a moment we should be proud of, but the necessity of this amendment is a reminder that we still have work to do to achieve true gender equality in this nation.
“Forty-seven years ago when Congress passed the ERA, we set a ratification deadline for the states of seven years. Even after extending the deadline for three additional years, the required ratification of 38 states did not happen. However, as of today, we are just one state short of getting to 38, and I implore citizens and lawmakers around the country to take up this action right away. ALL Women deserve to have their equality recognized and enshrined in the Constitution. I will continue to work with advocates across this country to make this a reality.”
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