September, 21 2009, 03:08pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116
NOW Endorses National Equality March
Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill
WASHINGTON
The National Organization for Women is proud
to endorse the grassroots National Equality March taking place in
Washington, D.C., on Oct. 11, 2009. In the 21st century, it is simply
outrageous not to have full equality under the law for all people,
including women, lesbians and women of color -- and we have a moral
obligation to change that.
Throughout history, the struggle for civil
rights and social justice has changed the face of private and public
institutions. Yet, discrimination remains rampant, particularly against
lesbians. NOW recognizes that no woman will have full equality under the law until all women have full equality under the law.
Eliminating second-class rights for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender people requires more than repealing Don't
Ask, Don't Tell and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, currently
casting shadows of inequality over the military and the institution of
marriage. It requires more than passing the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit workplace discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Our call for change must be bold and
uncompromising -- political negotiation only assures that women get
less than they deserve. Grassroots NOW activists from around the
country will join the National Equality March to demand full equality
for all women and all people.
For More Information:
National Equality March (official website)
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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