Moylan-Backed Equal Rights Amendment Ratified in Illinois

DES PLAINES, Ill. – A United States Constitutional measure sponsored by state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, granting equal rights for all United States citizens, regardless of gender, has been ratified by Illinois lawmakers. The Equal Rights Amendment passed the Illinois House of Representatives making Illinois the 37^th state to ratify the proposed amendment.

“Women have been fighting for equal rights for decades and now we are only one state away from that being guaranteed in our constitution,” Moylan said. “Women deserve to be protected by the constitution just the same as men.”

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, after the measure passed the U.S Congress, 38 of the 50 states need to ratify the ERA in order for the proposed amendment to be approved and added to the constitution.

This week, Illinois become the 37^th state to ratify the ERA, leaving only one more state needed in order for the purposed amendment to be added to our United States Constitution. This measure was approved by the Illinois House with bi-partisan support, 72 – 45 in the affirmative.

“After meeting with activists from my community about the issues concerning the ERA, and seeing how crucial it was to women in our country, it was a no-brainer, I had to support this effort.” Moylan said. “I would like to thank all the women and activists throughout the state who were advocating for the ERA. They did a great job.”

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.