Source: Illinois Review
The Illinois House could vote once again on the four decade old Equal Rights Amendment. If the U.S. Constitution were to ratify the amendment, it would ban any federal law differences based on gender.
Wednesday, the Illinois House agreed unanimously with Senate changes to legislation requiring Illinois employers to set up special working conditions for expectant mothers.
Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) House Bill 8, the “Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” ensures that pregnant workers are not forced out of their jobs or denied job modifications to allow them to continue working. The legislation now heads for the governor's desk.
But would an implemented ERA strip away special rights the Illinois House gave pregnant working moms Wednesday, since it provides special rights for women only?
Yes, it would, says Eagle Forum lobbyist and constitutional attorney Sharee Langenstein.
"The ERA would prevent states from making any distinction between men and women. WIC would be gone. Protections for pregnant and nursing women would be gone.” Langenstein said.
"Women already have 'equal protection' under the law. Why do we need to strip away our equality in favor of androgyny?"
SJR75 has already passed the Illinois Senate.
