Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON – The Virginia Senate voted today (26-14) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The National Organization for Women (NOW) applauds Virginia lawmakers for taking this first step towards passage of the amendment by the state legislature. NOW leaders and activists across the country are rejoicing that Virginia could become the 38th and final state needed for the amendment to become part of the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia NOW activists are currently working hard to convince the state’s House Republican leaders to bring the resolution out of committee.  It will be an uphill battle, but NOW and our allies are mounting a valiant effort. NOW will not rest until women achieve full equality, first with the constitutional protection of the ERA, and then across society in every sphere: social, economic, and judicial.

NOW calls on the Virginia House of Delegates to move swiftly to vote to ratify the ERA, so we can all celebrate as equal rights become the 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Contact

NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669