SENATE RESOLUTION No. 64

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED OCTOBER 3, 1996

By Senator LIPMAN

A Senate Resolution designating August 26, 1996 as Women's Equality Day, celebrating the anniversary of women's suffrage and supporting the Contract with Women of the USA.

Whereas, On August 26th, 1920, Tennessee became the necessary 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote; and

Whereas, New Jersey needs to remember and celebrate the importance of this date in the struggle for equal rights and women's suffrage; and

Whereas, The Contract with Women of the USA is a national plan for action for state legislators to develop the policies and programs which will promote equality for women and girls and enable them to achieve their full potential; and

Whereas, The Contract embodies the 12 principles and commitments of the International Platform for Action approved by 188 nations, in addition to the United States, at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in Bejing in September, 1995; and

Whereas, The principles include: empowerment of women; sharing family responsibilities; ending the burden of poverty; high quality, affordable health care; sexual and reproductive rights; workplace rights; educational equity; ending violence against women; protecting a healthy environment; women as peace makers; honoring international commitments and ratifying the Convention to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women; and developing a long-term national plan to implement the Contract; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that ratification of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution be remembered, honored and celebrated and that the Contract with Women of the USA be supported; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

    1. That this House designates August 26, 1996 as Women's Equality Day in recognition of the fact that on that date Tennessee became the necessary 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.

    2. The Contract with Women of the USA is supported by this House in the effort to develop policies and programs that enable women and girls to achieve their full potential and gain equality.

    3. The Governor is respectfully requested to endorse the goals of the Contract with Women of the USA as a pledge to New Jersey women.

    4. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

STATEMENT

    This Assembly resolution designates August 26, 1996 as Women's Equality Day in recognition of the fact that on that date Tennessee became the necessary 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote. The resolution also supports the Contract with Women of the USA in the effort to develop policies and programs that enable women and girls to achieve their full potential and gain equality.

Designates August 26, 1996 as Women's Equality Day, celebrates the anniversary of women's suffrage and supports the Contract with Women of the USA.