Moylan-Backed Equal Rights Amendment Passes Committee

DES PLAINES, Ill. – A measure co-sponsored by state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, that aims to grant equal rights for all United States citizens, regardless of gender, has passed the Human Services House Committee on Wednesday.

“Women have been fighting for equal rights for far too long,” Moylan said. “We need to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment so that women can be protected by the constitution and receive the equal rights they deserve.”

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) originally passed the United States Congress in 1972 and was sent to the states for ratification. Currently, there is no federal constitutional provision that specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender. By law, 38 of the 50 states need to ratify the ERA in order for the proposed amendment to be approved and added to the constitution. So far, there have been 36 states that have ratified the ERA; Illinois would be the 37^th state.

“This is a non-partisan issue. Ratifying the ERA will ensure that all women are given the same rights and respect, through the constitution, as their male counterparts throughout the country.” Moylan said. “I encourage Governor Rauner to do the right thing and work with us so that we can move one step closer in protecting women’s rights.”

For more information about this issue, or any questions or concerns about any other issue, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.