2003 Assembly Joint Resolution 54
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: urging that protections of women's equality be maintained and encouraging all Americans to participate in the celebration of Women's Equality Day on August 26, 2003, the 83rd anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
Whereas, August 26, 2003, marks the 83rd anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and is Women's Equality Day, a day deserving of celebration and special public commendation; and
Whereas, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848 where 100 women and men from all walks of life declared that "all men and women are created equal" and called for universal women's suffrage; and
Whereas, on August 26, 1920, after a 72-year struggle, the Nineteenth Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution, securing a woman's right to vote; and
Whereas, in 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women's Equality Day to commemorate the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; and
Whereas, since 1920, women have made tremendous gains in society, including the right to vote, the right to be free from discrimination in employment, and the right to have guaranteed equal access to education, including sports; and
Whereas, on August 26, 2003, Women's Equality Day and the anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, the women and men who have worked tirelessly to secure equality for women are to be commended for what they have achieved thus far and supported in their continued efforts to champion the rights of women; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature of the state of Wisconsin encourages all Americans to:
(1) Request all of our elected officials to stand firm in their resolve to uphold current protections of equality for women;
(2) Encourage all Americans to participate in the national celebration of Women's Equality Day in recognition of the 83rd anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and its historic importance in promoting women's rights; and, be it further
Resolved, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature designate August 26 of each year as Women's Equality Day, and the governor is requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920 on which the women of America were first given the right to vote.
