Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt WASHINGTON–This changes everything. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement opens uncharted, unimagined territory for women’s rights. Now, Donald Trump will have the chance to radically alter the Supreme Court for generations to come. Never mind repealing every initiative of the Obama Administration-the Trump Supreme Court could erase programs
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions are turning our nation of immigrants into a country of cruelty. They have issued an edict to forcibly remove young children from the arms of their parents, as families seek refuge from dangerous conditions and lethal violence. Children are being torn from their
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: The Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case does not codify discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, but it does normalize it. Opponents of gender equality will see this ruling as a green light for denying same-sex couples their constitutional rights, and an endorsement
June 4, 2018 (PORTLAND, OR) — Oregon NOW enthusiastically endorses Jamie McLeod-Skinner for Oregon’s Second Congressional District, recognizing McLeod-Skinner’s commitment to fight for economic justice, accessible healthcare (including reproductive rights), gun safety, racial justice, and LGTBQ rights. McLeod-Skinner is a rural Democrat with a background rooted in the district and public service, including international school
Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt: After 36 years, the Illinois House has finally moved to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, bringing us one step closer to constitutional equality. NOW salutes the hard work of Illinois NOW and its partners’ relentless efforts to pass the ERA. The #MeToo movement has underscored the importance of
Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt: Hollywood producer and sexual predator Harvey Weinstein’s surrender to police on rape and sexual assault charges brings a tremendous sense of relief to women who need to know that law enforcement responds when they speak truth to power. Finally, the brave women who have come forward to name
Statement By NOW President Toni Van Pelt: The overhaul of Congress’ sexual harassment rules passed by the Senate is a good step in the right direction, but it leaves serious shortcomings that must be addressed in conference. The Senate bill undermines the critical reform included in the House version that provides legal counsel to victims
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: In a decision written by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employers can force workers into agreeing to mandatory arbitration when their bosses break the law. The 5-4 ruling in Epic Systems v. Lewis lets corporations off the hook by denying employees their
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: The Trump Administration is scheduled to announce its plan to deliver on one of Donald Trump’s signature campaign promises—defunding Planned Parenthood. But that’s not the only harm the new federal rule would cause for women. Donald Trump wants to change the Title X federal family program to deny
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: The horrific claims of sexual violence made by four women against Eric Schneiderman have led to his resignation as New York attorney general, but more needs to happen if women are to feel safe. “The fact that Eric Schneiderman resigned within hours of the credible allegations against him
