Hump Day History

 

We're getting a little political today as we're nearing the election.  Sure, women have the right to vote, but if you've been paying attention, our rights are still questioned.

On this day in 1850, the first National Women's Rights Convention was held in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Planned by members of the Anti-Slavery Society, more than 1,000 delegates showed up from 11 states.

Activist Lucy Stone was a lead speaker that day, stating "We want that women should attain to the development of her nature and womanhood." 

And we have come a long way.  A woman may become president.  But did you know that women do not have equal constitutional rights?

The Equal Rights Amendment, first proposed in 1923, was not officially ratified.  Congress stipulated a deadline, and many states did not do so by 1979.  Nevada only ratified in 2017!  Florida still hasn't, but enough have to meet the requirements.  While scholars may believe that effectively makes it part of the Constitution, the Archivist of the United States has not yet published the ERA in the Federal Register with certification as the 28th Amendment.

There are certain protections for women in most states though, and a number of ballots this year aim to protect reproductive choice.