Harrisonburg City Council adopts resolution supporting Equal Rights Amendment

On Tuesday, women packed council chambers as Harrisonburg City Council adopted a resolution in support of Virginia ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The resolution was presented to Council by Mayor Deanna Reed.

"There were women who were here tonight that have been working on the Equal Rights Amendment since the 1970s," said Mayor Reed. "I'm excited that we came together as a city to show out support for this important matter."

The

is designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, and end legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other matters.

For an amendment to be added to the Constitution, a minimum of 38 states have to sign off. In May, Illinois became the 37th state to ratify the amendment. Now, advocates hope Virginia will become state number 38.

The 2019 Virginia General Assembly begins tomorrow.

Find the full resolution,

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