“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58
Thank you! We can say with confidence that together we have stood firm and will continue to do so until the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is defeated in Virginia. We are grateful for the time, energy, and prayers that have been extended the last couple of weeks by all involved. We have participated in a coalition press conference, visited the offices of multiple legislators, testified before the Senate sub-committee, spoke at a coalition lobby day, and most importantly you have joined us in both prayer and action as you encouraged your legislators to vote against the ERA. Your prayers and actions have made all the difference. Thank you!
Status: After passing the full Senate the first week of session, the House Sub-Committee Privileges and Elections “passed by indefinitely” all four ERA bills. On Friday, January 25, an attempt to overrule the sub-committee decision on one of the bills (HJ579) was made by Delegate Mark Sickle (D-District 43). However, the full House Committee of Privileges and Elections defeated it along party lines 12 to 10. Thanks be to God!
Stay Alert: Proponents may still have some strategy in their arsenal which might result in a motion before the House Committee of Privileges and Elections next Friday morning, February 1, or even an attempt to bring it to the full House.
Please take action by contacting Speaker of the House, Delegate M. Kirkland Cox (R-District 66), and thank him for standing with us against the ERA and to continue to do so. Be sure to let him know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Virginia. He can be contacted at DelKCox@house.virginia.gov and/or by phone at 804-698-1066.
Please pray for Speaker Cox. Pray for continued wisdom and courage in the midst of the aggressive ERA proponents.
As things continue to develop, we will keep you informed on how to both act and pray.
Toni DeLancey
State Director
CWA of Virginia
director@virginia.cwfa.org
va.cwfa.org