Sen. Johnson, Rep. Brown Introduce Equal Rights Amendment
MADISON – Today, Sen. LaTonya Johnson and Rep. Brienne Brown joined Reps. Lori Palmeri, Lee Snodgrass, Lisa Subeck, and Tip McGuire, to announce the introduction of an Equal Rights Amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution.
Rep. Brienne Brown issued the following statement: “I am proud to introduce this Equal Rights Amendment for the state of Wisconsin. Once again, the United States is experiencing a reckoning with our founding principles, and this amendment shows the way forward. We need to demonstrate to the people of Wisconsin more than ever that everyone deserves the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Adding this to our State Constitution proves we believe in everyone’s right to succeed and helps bridge the gaps among one another.”
Wisconsin’s Equal Rights Amendment establishes equal rights on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, or any other immutable characteristic.
The federal Equal Rights Amendment passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 12, 1971, and through the U.S. Senate on March 22, 1972. As the Amendment went to the states for ratification, many states took the opportunity to establish an Equal Rights Amendment in their state constitutions as well. Wisconsin acted as one of the first states to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment, doing so on April 26, 1972. However, Wisconsin still does not have a state Equal Rights Amendment in our constitution.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
