Activists are pushing for Virginia’s lawmakers to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment this year, potentially changing the United States Constitution. To help raise awareness, a group is driving around the state.
The 10-day bus tour to support the Equal Rights Amendment kicked off in Williamsburg Friday. The bus will be in Charlottesville, Lexington and Roanoke later this week.
Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy is part of the bipartisan push to ratify the amendment during this year’s legislative session.
“And it’s really clear. Equal means equal. So women need to be protected in the United States Constitution as equals. And that’s what we’re asking for, and that’s all,” says Carroll Foy.
The ERA passed Congress in the 1970’s. But it never got enough state support to become a part of the Constitution.
In recent years, momentum around the cause has re-emerged. Legislatures in Nevada and Illinois ratified the amendment and activists hope Virginia can be the final state needed.
See all the stops on the tour here: Schedule.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.