When Alice Paul wrote the first Equal Rights Amendment words back in 1923, I am sure she never imagined that in the year 2011 that we would still be fighting for women to have equal rights and protection in the constitution. I think 88 years is long enough, don’t you?
As one of only 17 women in the US Senate, I know you understand, profoundly, the importance of equality in the halls of power. As a mother of a young woman, I know that you wish nothing more than for her to have the same rights, opportunities and protections as all the young men that she is growing up with. And, as a former County Attorney I know you understand the importance of equality in the law for all women.
I am sure you are familiar with Justice Scalia’s recent remarks in regards to the 14th Amendment and that is does not apply to women. He even agrees that in order to have such equal protection we must pass a law. Well, we have that law and it has finally reached its time to be passed. But we can’t do that unless women like you stand up and say it’s time.
It is with those understandings and all the work of our foremothers that we ask you now to take a stand. It is their work that provided you the opportunity to be a US Senator; I think it only fair that you repay the favor. It’s time to repay the debt. It is long overdue for women to have equal protection.
You have a unique opportunity today to help women, finally, to have equal protection in the constitution. With your help in bringing HJ47 to the floor of the US Senate, you can ensure that the ERA is finally passed and your daughter and all women are finally recognized as equal citizens in this country.