SHAME: VA Democrats Denounce House Republicans for Blocking ERA

RICHMOND, Va – This morning, capping off what has been weeks full of partisan political games, House Republicans on the Privileges and Elections Committee - led by Delegate Mark Cole – refused to hear a number of resolutions that would have advanced the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to a full vote on the floor of the House of Delegates this 400th General Assembly session.

In failing to live up to their colleagues in the Senate, House Republicans denied the Commonwealth of the historical opportunity to be the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – a measure 81% of Virginia voters say they support.

From Del. Margaret Ransone, Republican Chair of the House Privileges and Elections Subcommittee #1, shouting down an ERA advocate from the dais for "shaking her head," claiming ERA supporters believe women are "not worthy,” to holding a last-minute, hastily called 7:30AM subcommittee meeting to even hear resolutions on the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, House Republicans have not given the ERA and their advocates a fair shout since the session convened on January 9th.

"House Republicans today chose discrimination over equality. This fight is not over. Whether it is next week, next month, or next year after we beat these equality-obstructing House Republicans in November -- Virginia WILL ratify the Equal Rights Amendment." - Jake Rubenstein, DPVA Communications Director

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