Equality and democracy are at a critical juncture.
The attacks against women, girls, LGBTQ+ people and our democracy are escalating and, in fact, are hitting us every single day.
From states – including Texas and Georgia – passing laws that would permit the removal of a prosecutor if the prosecutor, who historically has enjoyed wide discretion, fails to prosecute cases as a matter of policy. To laws prohibiting gender-affirming care, like those in Montana, where Zooey Zephyr, a transgender lawmaker, was blocked from participating in the remainder of the legislative session for speaking out against the law. To new restrictions on reproductive rights in North Carolina.
Authoritarianism continues on full display. And these are just examples from the past two weeks. As we have been saying, the Equal Rights Amendment is the most powerful tool we have available to address the authoritarianism and ongoing attacks, guarantee equality for all and protect our democracy.
We need President Biden to direct the Archivist to publish the ERA immediately. However, his Administration seemingly is making this an election issue and has no intention of publishing the ERA before then, if at all.
As set forth in more detail in our recent blog, “What Was That All About?”, it is clear from both the timing and outcome of the April 27th vote in the Senate on SJRes.4 (which affirms the validity of the Equal Rights Amendment and was designed to urge President Biden to publish it as the 28th Amendment), and the recent decision in Illinois v. Ferriero, we need President Biden to publish the ERA immediately. See our Written Testimony for the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment for more details.
Unfortunately, our fears were again realized. The ill-timed Senate vote was used to send the erroneous message that the ERA is not valid. Each of the 40+ articles covering the vote mistakenly referred to a deadline removal bill having failed.
Given the inaccurate reporting and the media’s reluctance to cover the issues and/or publish opinion pieces, even those authored by prominent constitutional scholars, reflecting what is actually going on, the most pressing issue we currently face is educating the public.
Today, in direct response, I am excited to announce that Shattering Glass is launching a new campaign, #PublishTheERA, to spread our message far and wide! And we hope you will join us in spreading the word too. For additional information on this campaign please visit: www.PublishTheERA.com.
In addition to our continued speaking engagements and meetings with professional associations, elected officials, unions, and other human rights organizations, crafting legal responses and amicus briefs, pitching media, and submitting Op Eds, we are working to expand our efforts to include:
Speaking at colleges and universities;
Increased utilization of non-traditional media, including radio, such as our Executive Director’s interview on the Lisa Wexler Show to close out Women’s History Month discussing the ERA;
Bringing on interns to grow social media presence on multiple platforms and increase public education;
Securing billboards and other advertising; and
Designing and promoting Shattering Glass merchandise to increase the reach of our work and mission.
However, to do this, we need your help. Here is what you can do.
Please consider making a donation today. No amount is too small. Also, if you have suggestions on individuals, foundations or companies that might be supportive of our work, please contact me directly.
Please share this information. We need to reach as many people as possible.
Please visit our Take Action page. There are different things you can do – call/text the President, contact Senators and Governors, etc.
Please follow us on social media and share our content.
Please use #PublishTheERA on your social posts.
If we don’t act now, it could be decades before we can address these issues.
Thank you for your support for our work and the fight for gender equity, gender equality and democracy!