Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment introduced to Legislature Monday

APPLETON, WI—(WISS)— Two Wisconsin lawmakers introduced the Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment to the legislature on Monday.

The Appleton Area National Organization of Women (NOW) chapter held a press conference at the Long Cheng Community Center in Appleton to announce the introduction of the Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) bill in the Wisconsin Legislature. 

Chapter President Irene Strohbeen said the Wisconsin ERA bill is more comprehensive than the federal ERA and is vital for a wide range of Wisconsinites.

“ The Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment bill goes beyond sex. It includes race, religion, marital status, and gender identity. It’s a long list of other factors, but for us…it starts with women. It starts with eliminating discrimination on the basis of sex,” Strohbeen said.

The ERA bill was introduced to the Wisconsin Legislature on Monday by co-authors Representative Brienne Brown (D-Whitewater) of the 43rd Assembly District and Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) of the 6th Senate District. They were joined by Representatives Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) and Lori Palmeri (D-Oshkosh) who introduced similar legislation at the end of the 2024 legislative session.

The Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment reads, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state or by any political subdivision of the state on account of sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, or any other immutable characteristic.”

Twenty-nine states have some type of equal rights amendment in their state constitution.

History of Equal Rights Amendment in Wisconsin

Wisconsin was one of the first states to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment in 1972. However, the federal amendment did not receive the approval of all 38 states needed to ratify it until Virginia approved the amendment in 2020.

In the meantime, the Wisconsin Legislature did offer a state Equal Rights Amendment to the voters, but it was rejected. 

“ The optimist in me says it’s because the people thought that the federal ERA would be enough,” Strohbeen said.

Strohbeen added that the ERA should be the 28th Amendment to the US Constitution, but the deadline set in 1982 was not met.

Why is an ERA needed?

During the press conference, several individuals emphasized the importance of the bill not only for women but also for minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others throughout the state. 

Sarah Long-Radloff said that she, a black woman, has seen the need for an ERA firsthand as a single mother working in the Fox Valley.

“ I was a woman making less money while doing the same job as my male counterparts,” Long-Radloff said. “My coworker and I were told he makes more money because he has a family.”

Becky O’Connor of the American Association of University Women said that women and minorities have gained and lost rights through patchwork legislation and court decisions.

“The Equal Rights Amendment would provide, once and for all, the constitutional guarantee of gender equality under the law. And that these rights cannot easily be abridged,” said O’Connor. “Today, Wisconsin takes one strong step in that direction.”

The youngest of the speakers was 14-year-old Tovah Levine. She talked about the threats of active shooters at her synagogue religious school. She told of bunkers constructed for safety. She was taught how to hide, how to curl up and make themselves small so shooters won’t notice her. Now, seven years later, she teaches preschoolers at her synagogue. 

“They deserve the government to affirm their fundamental right to equality. Every single child deserves this. All religions, all genders, all sexualities, all races, all abilities. They deserve the Equal Rights Amendment. Let’s give it to them,” Levine said.

What comes next 

The Equal Rights Amendment for the Wisconsin Constitution must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions before it can be put before the voters on a ballot. 

 ”We are very excited that this is being introduced now, so it gives us time to rally together,” said Strohbeen. “We’re talking already about having a lobby day in Madison at the state capitol to make sure our legislators know what we want and to explain the impact of this amendment.”