Ceretto, Corwin, Ortt renew push for women's equality

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, Jane Corwin, R-C-I-Clarence, and State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-C-I-North Tonawanda, today joined a coalition of state lawmakers to renew their push for women's equality legislation.

Ceretto and Ortt are calling on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to allow a vote on the Women's Equality Act as individual bills. The bills, which include protections from workplace discrimination, sex trafficking and sexual harassment, were passed yesterday by the State Senate for the second time in as many years.

"As a husband and father of two daughters, women's equality is near and dear to my heart," Ceretto said. "The Women's Equality Act contains many important protections that we cannot wait any longer to pass. The women of New York deserve better than having these provisions held hostage to a radical, highly controversial plan.

"Sheldon Silver and the Assembly Majority must stop the political posturing, pass these bills individually, and give the women of New York the rights they deserve."

"The State Senate passed a comprehensive women's equality package that will protect women from violence and harassment, prevent discrimination, and ensure pay equity," Ortt said. "It will protect and empower women in our homes, professions and communities - which is why I'm calling on the Assembly Majority and the governor to follow our lead and pass this critical legislation into law. Having served with many brave female soldiers, and owing so much of my personal achievements to inspiring females such as my mother and my wife, this issue is personal for me."

Ortt helped pass the eight non-controversial women's equality bills in the State Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support yesterday. Ceretto's camp said the bills are currently being blocked by Silver, who has insisted on tying them to a late-term abortion expansion bill.