Please see attached brief and the message from Pamelya Herndon, AAUW-NM Public Policy Chair. The brief is exceptionally interesting because it covers so much history and information about recent and current struggles for equal rights for women, who “bear the brunt” of the effects from COVID. While LWV is not listed among the “80 diverse amici curiae” in the attached Amicus Brief, it is a member of the ERA Coalition and actively advocates for the ERA to be certified as an official amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Several NM entities are, including NOW. NM passed its own Equal Rights Amendment years ago, but many states did not. The “authorities” include links to documents that relate to Justice Ginsburg’s work, the Women’s March, data on the under-representation of women in government and much more.
LWVUS has supported and pushed for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment since it was first passed by Congress in 1972. Leagues across the country have worked to engage lawmakers and organize at the grassroots level to ensure equal rights for all, regardless of sex. Early this year LWVUS did a nationwide push for ERA inclusion in the U.S. Constitution after it was ratified by the necessary 38 states. The National Archivist can proceed with final certification of the amendment if Congress removes the deadline for ratification to the amendment, but Congress has failed to do so.
What is the ERA?
- The Equal Rights Amendment ensures equal rights for all, regardless of sex.
- The amendment was introduced by suffragist Alice Paul in 1923. It was passed by Congress in 1972 and crossed the 38-state threshold for ratification in January of 2020.
- The text of the ERA is as follows: "Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Sec. 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Sec. 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification."
Why do we need the ERA?
- It’s undeniable that women have made significant progress toward equality over the years. However, women continue to battle systematic discrimination in the form of unequal pay, workplace harassment, and domestic violence, and more.
- Tackling these issues will take more than just reactionary solutions. We must address the root cause of inequality by amending our constitution.
- The ERA will pave the way for further legislative progress towards gender equality and will allow the courts to closely scrutinize sex-based discrimination.
LWV support of the ERA
- LWV seeks to secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. We promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans.
- LWV supports the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and efforts to bring laws into compliance with the goals of the ERA.
- LWV supports equal rights for all under state and federal law regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
- LWV has fought hard for passage and ratification of the ERA since the 1970s.
What people can do to support the ERA?
- People can support ERA certification by contacting their representatives and asking them to vote YES to remove the deadline on the ERA.
Statistics to relate COVID to your ERA Advocacy Work
During this unprecedented time, when COVID-19 has threatened our health, safety, and livelihoods, we are reminded of the disproportionate and unique impact this virus has on women. In the long term, when COVID-19 has been contained, we hope our Federal Government passes the Equal Rights Amendment so that in future pandemics, women do not bear the brunt of the effects.
- ERA brief document from the ERA Coalition, of which LWV is a member.
Meredith Machen
505 577 6337
From: Pamelya Herndon [mailto:pamelyaherndon@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:14 AM
To: Pamelya Herndon
Subject: Public Policy Opportunity
Dear Public Policy Branch Chairs and Colleagues,
Equal Means Equal is a nonprofit organization fighting to have the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) agree to hear arguments that there was no deadline to get the Equal Rights Amendment passed especially now that the requisite number of states have voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Equal Means Equal is requesting the Court to declare that the ERA has passed and is now an amendment to the U. S. Constitution.
SCOTUS will decide on October 9, 2020, if it will hear arguments on the ratification of the ERA. Only the votes of four Justices are needed for the Supreme Court to accept the case. Passage of the ERA will have an effect on many of the public policies that we support like equality in the workplace and eliminating gender bias in places like our schools.
To urge the Supreme Court to take this case and legalize equality; and to create a momentum on this important issue, Equal Means Equal is asking organizations around to country to Virtual Vigil to “Pray For the ERA” on Thursday, October 8 from 5pm – 6pm pst (8pm – 9pm est). Please note that this is a non-denominational event, all faiths and belief systems are welcome – the word “pray” [precari-Latin] is used as it was originally defined: to ask earnestly; address a solemn request; or to wish or hope strongly for a particular outcome or situation.
Organizations will come together in a virtual environment to light candles and pray for the certification and adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment.
I am checking in with you to see if you will join in attending this event and lighting a candle, taking a photo and posting it from our organization’s social media account using any or all of these hashtags: #Pray4ERA #SCOTUSCertifyERA #EqualMeansEqual, as we wait for the Supreme Court's decision on whether it will hear arguments in the ERA case.
Here is the link to register for the vigil: https://demand.equalmeansequal.org/page/s/pray-for-era---virtual-vigil.
We need to draw attention to the fact that the Supreme Court is considering whether it will hear arguments in the case. Please register for the vigil and join us Thursday evening – if you, or a representative from your organization would like to say a few words about why the ERA is important, they will have the opportunity to do so.
When: October 8, 2020 at 5 pm PST / 8 pm EST
Where : Online / Zoom
Thank you for sharing this notice with the members of your organizations. We hope to see you at the vigil on Thursday at 5pm pst/8pm est. Below is a copy of the Amicus Brief that has been filed with the Supreme Court, if you would like to read it.
Best regards,
Pamelya Herndon, State Chair
Public Policy
Fighting for Social Justice and Change