State Constitutional Amendment for Equality
Info and Frequently Asked Questions
A group of dedicated women and men decided the time was NOW; time for gender discrimination to be over, time to get an amendment for equal rights in the Minnesota Constitution and time to work together in a coalition to make it happen.
We hope you join the Coalition and help in the effort to add an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution making it against the law to discriminate against someone on account of their gender.
Frequently Asked Questions Index:
- What is the complete text of the Equal Rights Amendment?
- Why is an amendment for equal rights to the Minnesota Constitution necessary?
- What is the strategy for securing equal rights in the Minnesota Constitution?
- What is required to be a member of the Coalition?
- Why call it the CAFE Coalition instead of ERA Coalition?
- What is the history of the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment?
- Can I contribute financially to the MN CAFE Coalition?
Q: What is the complete text of the Minnesota Constitutional Amendment for Equality?
A: Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied on account of sex.
Q: Why is an amendment for equal rights to the Minnesota Constitution necessary?
A: It is true that all gender issues (except adultery laws) in Minnesota statutes have been meticulously equalized (thanks in part to Representative Phyllis Kahn). But legislation can be rolled back. The Legislature can repeal a statute with a simple majority vote.
We feel that to suggest legislation is enough is to say that equal rights between men and women are not important enough to be protected and upheld in the State Constitution. Other Constitutional amendments that currently exist include authorizing a state lottery, protecting hunting and fishing rights, dedicating money to the environment, and authorizing money to Vietnam and Persian Gulf Veterans. Few would argue that these provisions are more important than equal rights for all the citizens of our state.
Q: What is the strategy for securing equal rights in the Minnesota Constitution?
A: The strategy is multifaceted and will roughly follow this structure...
- We are inviting every Minnesota organization, business, nonprofit, labor union, faith group and individual to become a member of the Minnesota Constitutional Amendment For Equality Coalition (MN CAFE Coalition).
- With a unified, diverse collaboration of members, the Coalition will mount an effective public relations campaign, including public awareness polling.
- The Coalition will develop an effective legislative strategy with House and Senate leadership to ensure passage out of both bodies during the 2011 session. A Constitutional amendment does not have to be approved by the Governor, so if a simple majority in both the House and Senate approves, the amendment can be placed on the ballot statewide in the elections on November 2, 2012.
- Once placed on the ballot, a significant campaign to educate voters statewide will need to be mounted. Education, communications and public relations will be key to correct any possible false statements and distortions.
- Your help is needed! Spread the word and join the Minnesota CAFE Coalition today! Just click on Join Us and fill out the registration form.
Q: What is required to be a member of the Coalition?
A: For individuals:
- Public support of the CAFE;
- Public awareness through your personal contacts;
- Volunteering either your time or your financial support (both will be accepted but are not required).
- Register Now
A: For organizations, unions, businesses or other groups:
- Public support of the CAFE and use of the name of
your organization on our materials; - Public awareness through your members, customers, etc.;
- An active member from your organization to maintain contact with our board.
- Assistance in fundraising, when applicable.
- Register Now
Q: Why call it the CAFE Coalition instead of an ERA Coalition?
A: To differentiate our state amendment strategy from the federal
amendment strategy, we chose to identify our effort as the Minnesota Constitutional
Amendment For Equality (CAFE). The founders of the Coalition believe that by working towards a state equality
amendment, we will build awareness in Minnesota of the need for a Federal ERA as well. (Because the national Equal Rights Amendment has also not been added to our Federal Constitution, many
mistake what we are working toward).
Q: What is the history of the Minnesota ERA?
A: After the Federal ERA was defeated in June of 1982, Representative Phyllis Kahn and Senator Linda Berglin introduced House File 1 and Senate File 1 into the 1983 Legislative session. Because of an abortion law that was overturned in Pennsylvania that same year, a state with an ERA in their constitution, legislatures around the country began inappropriately associating equal rights with abortion laws. In Minnesota, the Legislature also withdrew the ERA from its agenda.
Since 1983, Senator Dick Cohen has introduced a Constitutional amendment for equality in every Legislative session. The last time the bill was brought up in a House or Senate committee hearing was in 2001 when Senator John Marty became the chair of the Senate Judiciary committee. Minnesota NOW testified at that hearing.
Q: Can I contribute financially to the MN CAFE Coalition?
A: YES! You can contribute through our PayPal Account or you can send a check, payable to Minnesota NOW Foundation (our fiscal agent). When the coalition becomes a full
fledged campaign to pass a ballot measure, we will re-evaluate the situation. In the meantime, the Minnesota NOW Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, will be the official fiscal agent for the Minnesota CAFE Coalition. Contribute Now
