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NOW’s core issues are reproductive rights and justice, ending violence against women, economic justice, LGBTQIA rights, racial justice, and Constitutional equality.
NOW Demands that the ERA is Enshrined in the Constitution
Released on July 1, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NOW and over 50 women’s rights and civil rights organizations filed a joint amicus curiae brief (with the assistance of Winston & Strawn LLP) urging the enshrinement of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the Constitution. The brief was submitted in support of a lawsuit brought by the Attorneys General of Virginia, Illinois, and Nevada – all three states having recently passed ratification measures. Their lawsuit argues that the
Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Rights In Louisiana – But We’ve Still Got Work To Do
Released on June 29, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court’s decision today in June Medical Services v. Russo struck down a Louisiana law imposing targeted restrictions on abortion providers (TRAP laws) that the Court had previously found unconstitutional in Texas. TRAP laws are not designed to protect women’s health, but rather to expand the power of patriarchal church leaders and conservative Republicans and
George Floyd Justice In Policing Act Passes House—Senate Must Strengthen Bill
Released on June 26, 2020 WAHSINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives took a step toward justice by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, but Mitch McConnell has already signaled he has no intention of taking up this measure in the Senate. Senators who want to squarely address racism and violence in law enforcement disagree. NOW joined the Leadership Conference on
Senate Confirms Wilson, Continuing Attack on Reproductive Rights
Released on June 24, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Moments ago, the Senate voted to confirm Judge Cory Wilson to the already conservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This court has jurisdiction over courts across Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas – three states with severely limited abortion access. By adding Wilson to the bench, the Trump administration and Senate Republicans have made this court a monumental threat to women’s rights and reproductive freedom
Replace Mitch McConnell’s Empty Promises on Police Reform With Real Action
Released on June 24, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate’s failure to move decisively on comprehensive policing reform underscores the urgent need for Congress to follow the lead of their constituents, who overwhelmingly support an end to abusive policing practices, state-sanctioned violence and systemic brutality against Black people at the hands of law enforcement. Senate Democrats are right
On Title IX’s Anniversary, We Redouble Our Commitment to Ending Discrimination Against Women
Released on June 23, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 48th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that set out to ensure equal educational opportunities regardless of gender. This civil rights law has opened up doors that had long been closed to women and girls, allowing more to participate in athletics programs, earn scholarships, attend college, study in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) and pursue advanced degrees. Title
NOW Honors Juneteenth
Released on June 19, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, June 19th, the National Organization for Women recognizes Juneteenth, a holiday honoring the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people were free in Texas. Although Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, this day marks the liberation of 250,000 Texans. On June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger publicly
Resignations Are Not Enough—Georgia Needs Structural Police Reform to Stop Systemic Racism
Released on June 18, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NOW applauds Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for announcing the departure of police chief Erika Shields, and calling for the immediate termination of Garrett Rolfe, the officer who killed Rayshard Brooks in the parking lot of a Wendy’s drive through. But firing Officer Rolfe won’t quiet the outrage, or address the
Justin Walker Confirmed—The Senate Shamed
Released on June 18, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Justin Walker to the prestigious Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is a shameful example of how Mitch McConnell has turned the U.S. Senate into a right-wing confirmation factory for unqualified, inexperienced, extremist federal judges. Judge Walker is in many ways the worst
The Reversal of Health Protections for Transgender Patients Is Hateful and Cruel
Released on June 16, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, the four-year anniversary of the 2016 PULSE nightclub shooting and during Pride month, the Trump administration announced its final rule – a slap in the face erasing health care protections for transgender Americans. During a global pandemic when health disparities are revealing deep inequities in our system, this rule perpetuates continued discrimination, structural racism, transphobia, and homophobia. This action makes it easier for doctors, hospitals, and insurance