Hoyer Celebrates Women's Equality Day at Annual Luncheon
CLINTON, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) hosted his 13th Annual Women's Equality Day Luncheon to celebrate the achievements and progress women have made in the United States as they mark the 95th anniversary of Women's Equality Day.
“Hosting the Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon is one of my favorite occasions of the year, and I am honored to join in celebrating the 95th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “In America’s march toward greater equality, democracy, and civil rights, the recognition of the equal right of women to vote was a watershed moment. As we celebrate this anniversary and reflect on the history of women’s march for equality in America, we acknowledge that much more work lies ahead. Whether it is protecting a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, her right to earn equal pay for equal work, or her opportunity to serve equally in defense of our nation, women’s votes are a powerful weapon against exclusion, injustice, and discrimination. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress in support of equality for women in the Fifth District and across America.”
“The vast majority of Americans do not believe in discrimination based on gender, but the laws of our land do not reflect this belief fully. In fact, most Americans would be surprised to learn that there are not equal rights for women guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, because the Equal Rights Amendment came so close to passing before it reached an arbitrary time limit. We need to address this wrong immediately, and I have offered legislation to do exactly that, re-opening the window of opportunity for the ERA,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.). “We’ve made some significant advancements in gender equality in this country, but there is still progress that needs to be made. The most glaring issue is the need for a strong federal guarantee of equal rights for women, which would be far superior the present patchwork of state protections. But our work cannot end there, and I will continue fighting to ensure it does not.”
This year’s keynote speaker was District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin also spoke at the luncheon.