EnMasse

Tehanu · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:04 pm Post subject: US Congress revives ERA?

Just heard about this on a promo for As It Happens ... Looks as though both federal and state legislatures in the United States are pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment to be resurrected, after it fell short by three states in 1982. So Congress reintroduced it on Tuesday and want to bring it to a vote.

Makwa · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 2:05 am Post subject:

Wow. Normally I'd say 'good luck with that' but it seems so out of the blue. Given the recent electoral changes, wouln't it seem timely - but you would think a little discussion beforehand would happen. Colour me perturbed.
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Tehanu · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 2:09 am Post subject:

I know, it does seem to be coming out of nowhere, doesn't it? But it's also been brought up in five state legislatures, according to the article.

Worth watching ... and at any rate, one hopes that this initiative will get the issue of women's equality back on the front burner in the USA.

Here's more info from a long article in the Washington Post (it's behind a registration wall):

Tehanu · Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 1:25 am Post subject:

Another initiative to revive the ERA.

Part of me says yup, do it! Because it may possibly get women's issues back into the spotlight, and god knows in the USA (and elsewhere, including here) it's high time to get to front-burner status again.

But part of me says why bother. It's not likely going to go anywhere, and if so, that failure may even contribute to a feeling of helplessness and apathy amongst feminists.

It's at times like these that I crush on Pierre Elliott Trudeau, much as that may offend those among us who are still peeved about his stance on various other issues. But thanks, Pierre, for the Charter of Rights. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

TS. · Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:23 am Post subject:

It's somewhat disingenuous for that Representative to claim that the rights of women are not protected by the Constitution. She seems to be conveniently forgetting the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. That said, I would love to see the reintroduction of the ERA.
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"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear." - Thomas Jefferson