Women's Equality Day ?
Letter of: Tuesday, August 17, 1999
Jeb Bush / Office of the Governor / The Capitol / Tallahassee, Florida
32399
Dear Governor Bush,
The Florida National Organization for Women, Inc. members respectfully
request that you sign this proclamation in honor of Womens Equality Day,
August 26, 1999 and declare your personal and political commitment to
women's equality in all areas of our society.
For Women's Lives,
Toni Van Pelt,
President
Florida National Organization for Women, Inc.
----------------------------
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, many decades of efforts by women and men were required to give
women the right to vote; and
WHEREAS, 151 years ago in Seneca Falls the need was proclaimed for
protection in the U.S. Constitution for women against sex discrimination,
but there is yet none; and
WHEREAS, laws and policies in the State of Florida have unjustly
discriminated against girls and women, in matters of reproductive
rights, sexual assault and harassment, and marital property, and
although some laws and policies have eased, progress can be, has been
and is being reversed; and
WHEREAS, some so-called neutral policies, such as those dealing with
insurance, pensions, family medical leaves, job promotions, occupational
choices, recreational opportunities, access to medical care (including
reproductive and abortion services), and business opportunities, still
have inequitable effects for women; and
WHEREAS, girls and women still must contend with sexual and verbal
assaults, rape, and being objectified by men; and
WHEREAS, most of the care of the young and the elderly is given
primarily by women, many of whom must also work at other jobs inside
and/or outside the home; and
WHEREAS, in many other ways women are not provided with equal
opportunities and still bear burdens which fall unjustly on them,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State of Florida and the office
of the Governor, does hereby proclaim August 26, 1999, WOMEN'S EQUALITY
DAY, in remembrance of all those women and men who have worked to develop
a more equitable community in which all people share burdens and benefits
in truly equal partnership, acknowledging both the similarities and
differences between women and men; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State of Florida urges all citizens to
suspect all distinctions and classifications according to sex and
examine all so-called neutral criteria, including physical stature and
other occupational qualifications, to determine whether they have
disparate impact on women; promote affirmative action in the public and
private (including non-profit) sectors; eliminate all unjust
discrimination and prejudice against women; and ensure equality of
rights, privileges and responsibilities under equitable principles for
all women and men.
Signed and sealed this _________day of August, 1999.
_____________________________
Jeb Bush, Governor - State of Florida
---------------------------------------------------
