Letter to the Editor: Times Change; Pass Equality Agenda, The Journal News, May 21, 2013
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
This is the year we can all work together to make history by acknowledging that women are equal to men, and making a true commitment to the ideal of equality for all Americans.
Passing New York's Women's Equality Agenda, or WEA, will assure women equal footing with men by updating our state's outdated body of legislation.
The WEA proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will break down the legal barriers that perpetuate discrimination against women in New York.
This initiative includes the Reproductive Health Act, as well as protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment and human trafficking. It will establish pay equity and end pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.
Passage of the Women's Equality Agenda will return New York state to its rightful position as the national leader in women's rights protections and help turn the tide of attacks on women's health care nationally. Consensus is not always easy, but equality shouldn't be a partisan issue.
The WEA is essential for all women in New York state.
As a Republican, I know my own political party must concede some of its traditional views in order for our country to move forward. Times change, people change. Republican leaders must change and adapt to the electorate. We must be honest with ourselves and recognize the fact that true equality cannot be achieved until it is legislated in our state. Let's make New York the model for equal rights and fairness and pass WEA.