We the undersigned believe that it is time for an Equal Rights Amendment in New York State to ensure equality for women of this great state.

Three years after women won the right to vote, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is introduced in the US Congress by Senator Curtis and Representative Anthony, both Republicans. It was authored by Alice Paul, head of the National Women's Party, who led the suffrage campaign. Every year since that time, an ERA has been introduced, only to be stalled by conservatives who do not want to see true equality for women.

Consequently, the National Organization for Women-New York State sees the dire need for a New York State Equal Rights Amendment.   Again this year, Senate Bill #1764 has been introduced by Senator Duane and Assembly Bill #1267 has been introduced by Assemblyman Bing. 

Both bills have been referred to the Attorney General and are in the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and Assembly.   It is time for the NYS Legislature to take a stand. We demand that our elected officials take a stand for women’s rights.  Governor Spitzer, as he campaigned this fall, promised me that he would strongly consider passage of a NYS ERA.  It I time to act! Women in New York State deserve better. 

Why is this a crucial time?  Because the NYS ERA must pass two legislative sessions in order to be put on the ballot in 2008.    The time is NOW!

I Support S-1764 and A-1267: “No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall because of race, color, sex, creed or religion, be subjected to any discrimination in his or her civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state of any agency or subdivision of the State.”