Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

After 36 years, the Illinois House has finally moved to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, bringing us one step closer to constitutional equality.

NOW salutes the hard work of Illinois NOW and its partners’ relentless efforts to pass the ERA.

The #MeToo movement has underscored the importance of strong legal protections for women’s rights, and our resolve to secure these Constitutional guarantees is unwavering. The hard-fought battle in Illinois shows that women are determined to win.

We know our work is not done and we will continue our efforts to help ratify the amendment in the remaining states. Not only will we work to urge our representatives to continue the fight for equality for women, but we will make sure the candidates we elect share our commitment to this cause.

Illinois has finally voted to put itself on the right side of history. There’s still more to be done to correct this shameful failure of our Constitution. But today, NOW activists celebrate our victory in Illinois and tomorrow we will continue the fight in Virginia and the remaining states.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

Hollywood producer and sexual predator Harvey Weinstein’s surrender to police on rape and sexual assault charges brings a tremendous sense of relief to women who need to know that law enforcement responds when they speak truth to power. Finally, the brave women who have come forward to name their abuser and share their personal stories – many of which were painful and graphic to recount – are being taken at their word. We continue to move one step closer to demanding justice for all survivors.

Enough is enough. Those who have launched the momentum of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have shown we are done protecting men who abuse their positions of power and we will not stop until this violent behavior is no longer tolerated in our society. We need to continue to listen to all women – whether they are Hollywood celebrities or domestic workers – who make the courageous decision to share their stories. The culture of silencing survivors is coming to an end.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The overhaul of Congress’ sexual harassment rules passed by the Senate is a good step in the right direction, but it leaves serious shortcomings that must be addressed in conference.

The Senate bill undermines the critical reform included in the House version that provides legal counsel to victims of sexual harassment. The Senate version explicitly prohibits the Congress’ legal advisor from providing legal advice once an individual has filed a claim, and imposes artificial time limits within which a staffer can file a complaint, among other flaws.

The Senate even goes so far as to use the phrase “unwelcome harassment.” Memo to lawmakers: harassment is never welcome.

There is much that the Senate bill gets right, and NOW congratulates legislators such as Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for their leadership and diligence on this urgent issue. Women know that meaningful change takes time, and we’ll remain engaged, focused and determined to bring about the change that is so needed, and so overdue.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241