[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H4473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1210
                 SUPPORTING THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

  (Ms. TSONGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Equal 
Rights Amendment.
  Yesterday, I was proud to join 158 of my House colleagues--women and 
men--in cosponsoring this simple constitutional guarantee that 
``equality of rights'' shall not be denied or abridged on account of 
one's gender. The ERA was passed by Congress in 1972, and won approval 
from 35 States before falling just three short of ratification. Since 
then, women have gained significant protections in society, in the 
workplace and at home; but it is clear that much more must be done.
  Earlier this year, a sitting member of the U.S. Supreme Court stated 
his view that the Constitution does not prohibit ``discrimination on 
the basis of sex.'' While many legal scholars were quick to disagree, 
his words illustrate clearly the need for explicit constitutional 
protections. Without them, Congress has--and has already attempted to--
roll back these gains.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the ERA and in standing 
up for the constitutional protection for women and families.

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