'Me too' movement renews Equal Rights Amendment push

A bipartisan group of Senators and Congressional members introduce the 'METOO Congress Act' aimed at reforming how Congress handles sexual harassment. (Nov. 15) AP


WASHINGTON — Equal Rights Amendment advocates think this could be their moment.

As women increasingly come forward with stories of sexual assault and harassment, advocates are seeing the “me too” movement as an opportunity to renew their push for Constitutional protections against sexual discrimination.

“If you ever feel like you don’t think that we need to have some changes, I’m going to just say two words to you: Harvey Weinstein,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., said Friday, naming the Hollywood producer accused by dozens of women of rape, assault and harassment. “The only way we’re protected is to have ironclad protection in the United States Constitution. Is it so challenging to say that women and men should have equality of opportunity, equality of protection under the law?”

Women with “ERA YES” signs led by Maloney gathered in New York Friday in one of the first public events linking the scandals involving Hollywood, Congressional and newsroom leaders to the call for an ERA. They urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to keep Wall Street's iconic “Fearless Girl” statue in place until an ERA is ratified.


More rallies and lobbying will follow as advocates work to explain the connection between the scandals and need for the ERA, said Bettina Hager, the ERA Coalition’s Washington director.

“We’ve been making this push for a while and this is just more fuel to why we need an Equal Rights Amendment,” she said.

. . . . . .

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/11/18/me-too-movement-renews-equal-rights-amendment-push/875903001/