Louisiana Democratic Party Statement on the Failure of the Equal Rights Amendment in Louisiana

Louisiana Democratic Party Statement on the Failure of the Equal Rights Amendment in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, LA – Wednesday, the Louisiana State Senate failed to pass SCR 2 through the Senate floor. SCR 2, authored by Sen. JP Morrell, provides for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in the United States Constitution.

“I’m disheartened by my colleagues’  decision to not pass the Equal Rights Amendment through the Senate. Louisiana had the chance to make history, protect women from discrimination, and take an important step toward equality in our state and nation. Unfortunately, we failed,” Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party said. “I’m still incredibly proud of the work we did to support the ERA in Louisiana alongside Sen. JP Morrell. Women deserve a future free from discrimination; this isn’t the end of that fight for me and other Louisiana Democrats.”

“Today’s vote is a testament to who supports a fair and equal Louisiana and who doesn’t care for the people they represent,” Stephen Handwerk, Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party said. “By protecting against gender discrimination, the ERA would have made huge strides toward equality in a state that hasn’t prioritized women’s issues for far too long. Unfortunately, so many of our Republican legislators don’t believe that’s a priority. We want to let every senator who voted against this important piece of legislation know that your constituents are watching and they do care about your decision today even if you don’t. Come October 12th, we’ll make sure you’re held accountable for your choice today.”