Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

After 36 years, the Illinois House has finally moved to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, bringing us one step closer to constitutional equality.

NOW salutes the hard work of Illinois NOW and its partners’ relentless efforts to pass the ERA.

The #MeToo movement has underscored the importance of strong legal protections for women’s rights, and our resolve to secure these Constitutional guarantees is unwavering. The hard-fought battle in Illinois shows that women are determined to win.

We know our work is not done and we will continue our efforts to help ratify the amendment in the remaining states. Not only will we work to urge our representatives to continue the fight for equality for women, but we will make sure the candidates we elect share our commitment to this cause.

Illinois has finally voted to put itself on the right side of history. There’s still more to be done to correct this shameful failure of our Constitution. But today, NOW activists celebrate our victory in Illinois and tomorrow we will continue the fight in Virginia and the remaining states.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241