Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case does not codify discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, but it does normalize it. Opponents of gender equality will see this ruling as a green light for denying same-sex couples their constitutional rights, and an endorsement of the Trump Administration’s discriminatory policies.

This issue will continue to be litigated in the courts and debated by voters and lawmakers. We will continue to press for legal remedies to policies that deny fundamental rights to persons who need and deserve absolute and unchallenged equality.

When the Supreme Court rules to take away human rights, rather than expand them, it only emboldens and encourages those who would perpetuate hate speech and discrimination. This is why since its introduction, NOW has supported the Equality Act, which is now before Congress and would protect LGBTQIA+ people and everyone facing discrimination simply because of who they are. Today’s ruling makes it clear: we need equality, NOW.

Contact:

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

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