RICHMOND, VA – Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn released the following statement after the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Joint Resolution 1, ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution.
“As we enter this new, more inclusive, diverse, and accountable government that mirrors the values of today’s Virginians, it is important that our actions reflect those ideals. After nearly 100 years of working to put equality into the Constitution, a document that lays out our nation’s most fundamental rights and laws, we are taking the historic step to make ratification a reality. Finally, women will be represented in the Constitution.
“For many of my colleagues voting today, who have felt the sting of discrimination, fought to be treated equally in their workplaces and within our institutional structures, today we are making history and walking down a more inclusive path. One where our daughters and their daughters after them will have equal protection under the law. Putting gender equality in the Constitution does not right the wrongs of the past, nor fix all forms of discrimination, but it lays down a marker on a map that leads us to a more just and equal future.
“There have been thousands of people who have marched before us; who worked to make this a more just and equal society; who have worked to make the Equal Rights Amendment a reality. I cannot possibly begin to thank them enough for their dedication, sacrifices and leadership. We honor them – and all women across Virginia and America – with our action today.”
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