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Slaughter commemorates anniversary of women's suffrage

by jmaloni
Mon, Jun 4th 2012 05:00 pm

Says much work remains to ensure that women have equal access and opportunity in U.S.

Press release

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter joined Monday with women across the country to commemorate congressional approval of the Women's Suffrage Amendment to the Constitution. Monday marks the 93rd anniversary of the historic legislative action that sent the 19th Constitutional Amendment to the states for ratification. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 304-89 and the Senate by 56-25. The 19th Amendment guarantees that "the right of the citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

"At a time when the basic rights of women are being assailed by extreme elements within our government, it is important to point out and celebrate just how far women have come," Slaughter said. "We have accomplished much in the years since winning the right to vote. Women have risen to positions of leadership in industry, politics, science and technology, higher education and virtually every avenue of human pursuit.

"While we continue to struggle for equal pay and equitable treatment, I join with women across the country today in proclaiming that we will never go backwards. Those who wish to turn back the clock to a time when women had virtually no control over their lives and the direction of this nation will lose, just like those individuals who opposed our securing the right to vote. We will never relinquish control of our basic right to self-determination, and that includes not only our right to vote, but our access to quality health care and our ability to make decisions about our health and wellbeing. We have come too far, and too many women have fought, struggled and sacrificed for the rights we now enjoy. We have an obligation and a responsibility to live up to their legacy and to preserve it for future generations of women."

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