Tell the Senate: Protect domestic violence survivors

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, let’s raise our moral voice to ensure safety, justice, and equality for all survivors of domestic violence. Right now, our Constitution does not guarantee victims or survivors of domestic violence freedom from discrimination as they seek safety and justice. This is why we need the Equal Rights Amendment — an amendment that will ensure our laws protect people from discrimination based on their sex — now! Take Action For many years, our communities have worked hard to pass laws like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that help end domestic violence and ensure justice and safety for survivors. Unfortunately, an important provision of VAWA was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2000 because the Constitution only provides a limited basis for anti-domestic violence laws. And when Congress has tried to create stronger laws that protect victims and survivors and that help them seek justice when they are harmed, the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress does not have the power to do so.   The ERA would guarantee that the hard work and efforts of our communities are upheld in court. It would give Congress more power to create laws against gender-based violence. The ERA could also hold states accountable for protecting women and LGBTQ people by enforcing their laws against gender-based violence.   Ask your senators to ensure safety and justice for survivors of domestic violence by voting in favor of adding this important amendment to the Constitution.    Take Action Last year, after 100 years of advocacy, Virginia approved adding the ERA to the Constitution, becoming the 38th state to do so and crossing the three-quarters requirement to ratify the amendment. Unfortunately, the approval came after a deadline established by Congress nearly 50 years ago. Both the House and Senate recently introduced a joint resolution that would remove the deadline and clearing the way for full legal recognition and protection of gender equality. The resolution passed in the House in March. Now, we need your help to get it passed in the Senate! Ask your senators to vote to remove the ERA deadline.    As followers of Christ, we understand that every single person is made in the divine image of God. But as we also know in our nation, many of our fellow image bearers have not been given the equal rights and treatment that they deserve. With this knowledge, let us walk in truth and power and co-labor hand in hand as God’s people to see the ERA become the law of the land. We ask you to contact your senators and representatives today.   Take Action In faith, Paola Fuentes Gleghorn Immigration and Women & Girls Campaign Manager Gerald-Olufemi Lamar Darling Jr.  Campaigns and Mobilizing Assistant