Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON – Today, Virginia Republicans are on the wrong side of history, demonstrating a refusal to stand up for equality for women. The Virginia House of Delegates refused to allow a vote by the full House which killed the decades’ long effort in Virginia to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Votes to fast-track a floor vote on ratification were blocked by a Republican procedural maneuver designed to thwart the will of the people, with recent polls showing an overwhelming 81% who support ratification of the ERA.

One GOP delegate said supporting a rule to bring about a vote would “let the chaos of Washington into our state government.”  But nothing could be farther from the truth.

For too long, generations of women have endured a system that pays them less, values them less, respects them less and treats them as second-class citizens. With their actions, Virginia Republicans have shown they are against equality, against women’s rights, and in favor of enshrining sex discrimination into our laws.

This November, they will face the consequences for standing in the way of progress for women not only in Virginia but across the country, as women push to ratify the correction to a flaw in our Constitution that should have been remedied long ago.  

This has to stop – and it will.

We are disappointed in the failure of the Republican leadership in the House of Delegates, but proud beyond measure of the activists and supportive legislators who made ratifying the ERA a priority.  Their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication will only be renewed by this experience, and when voters head to the ballot boxes this November, they will remember who was on the right side of history, and who voted to hold women back.

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NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt

WASHINGTON – The truth is finally catching up to R. Kelly, whose music career has become a criminal enterprise centered around the exploitation and abuse of young black girls. He must be brought to justice, now.

After the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly detailed the singer’s decades-long pattern of sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual exploitation of underage black girls, R. Kelly finally lost his record deal, had concerts canceled and saw his music removed from radio station playlists.

But economic consequences aren’t enough for years of amoral, illegal and thoroughly evil behavior – R. Kelly must pay for his crimes.

It’s been reported that a grand jury has been convened in Cook County, Illinois following new allegations, including a 42-minute tape submitted by attorney Michael Avenatti that he says shows Kelly engaging in sex acts with an underage girl. The grand jury must finish its work.

We’ve already seen more than enough evidence. Indict R. Kelly, now. Bring him to trial.  Hold him accountable. Without delay.

Enough is enough.

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NOW Press, press@now.org 202-628-8669

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON –  The National Organization for Women (NOW)  has traditionally celebrated Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (February 15, 1820) instead of President’s Day in honor of this advocate of equal rights – including women’s right to vote. Anthony, who was actually arrested for attempting to vote, would be thrilled and probably astounded to learn that on her 199th birthday, there is a record number of women who have already declared their candidacy for president of the United States.  

NOW is delighted to have endorsed five of the major female candidates in past elections (Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Gabbard, and Warren), and all of them have proudly identified themselves as feminists. While throughout history, we have had lone feminist female candidates run- including Shirley Chisholm, Victoria Woodhull, Carol Moseley Braun, and Hillary Clinton – this year,  presidential politics has finally opened up to include multiple women running for the highest office in the land.

The feminist female candidates of 2019 are breaking barriers and making history, just like those who came before them. On this President’s Day, we celebrate HERstory and appreciate the legacy of Susan B. Anthony.

Contact

NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669