Today Senator Victoria Steele (D-9) and Representative Pamela Powers (D-9) along with ERA Task Force AZ hosted an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) forum to explain what the ERA is, why we still need it, and what you can do to get it ratified. Arizona must ratify the ERA to become the 38th State and enshrine it in the Constitution. The forum was held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Third Floor Executive Tower Conference Room, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Other speakers included Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-23); Felicia French, Colonel (Retired); Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Jews for Justice; Kiana Sears, Governing Board, Mesa Public Schools; and Fred Yamashita, Executive Director AFL CIO. The forum initiates a long weekend of human rights events.
Arizona women need the ERA because women don’t have equality as witnessed by a persistent gender pay gap, the low level of representation in Congress (23%), the approximately 5% representation in Fortune 500 companies, and the daily inequities women suffer such as higher prices and fewer services. The #metoo movement has amply illustrated the constant struggles women face in the workplace. Though the 14th Amendment says there should be no distinction between citizens, it has not proven to fully protect women. Justice Scalia said in 2010 that it was never meant to. Though women are 51% of the population, we are still only 23% of Congress.
Arizona do your part and let’s get the ERA passed. Here are some resources to help you get started.
Senator Victoria Steele
Representative Pamela Powers
Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita
Kiana Sears, Governing Board, Mesa Public Schools
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Felicia French, Colonel (retired)
Fred Yamashita, Executive Director, AFL CIO
