The Commonwealth set to become the 38th State to Ratify the Amendment
RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia House of Delegates voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which will give women the same recognition as men under the United States Constitution. The House vote puts the Commonwealth of Virginia on track to become the 38th state to ratify, allowing the ERA to become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Democratic Majority Leader Charniele Herring and her colleagues released the following statements in response to the vote:
“The people of Virginia spoke last November, voting a record number of women into the House of Delegates and asking us to ratify the ERA,” said Leader Herring. “It is inspiring to see the amendment finally be considered, voted on, and passed – long-awaited recognition that women deserve.”
“As the House sponsor of the bill, it is an honor to lead the effort in this historic moment for women,” said Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy. “This vote demonstrates how greater female representation in government can significantly improve the lives of women across the country. We are here and will be heard.”
“As the longest-serving woman in the history of the House of Delegates, I can say that passing the ERA is long overdue. The progress we’ve made in recent decades can be erased without this constitutional protection,” said Delegate Vivian Watts. “97 years after Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman first introduced the ERA in the United States Congress, we’re making the final push in legitimizing the fight for equality.”
“We must acknowledge the generations of women before us whose shoulders we stand on, as their work helped us get to this place in time,” said Delegate Delores McQuinn. “I am proud to do my part to ensure that women down the line do not suffer the same legal inequality.”
“The ERA could not be more relevant in 2020 considering it deals with issues such as the gender pay gap,” said Delegate Hala Ayala. “We cannot sit still as these problems rage around us. Today, we stood up and spoke out to make sure women are shown equal respect under the Constitution.”
“Women in Virginia, across the country, and in all walks of life will greatly benefit by the ratification of the ERA,” said Delegate Kaye Kory. “For too long, women have unfairly been subject to gender bias. I am honored to be part of the process to end it.”
“Our Democratic majority was sent to Richmond with a clear mandate,” said Delegate Jeion Ward. “Part of that mandate was to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. We’re glad to ratify this historic amendment, and will continue working to improve the lives of the women, children and men of the Commonwealth by fighting for a more equal, more equitable and better Virginia.”