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THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT by Susan Satterthwaite & Joann leake

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is thelconstitutional basis for all legal equality of “when in the U.S.A. It

, reads: "Equality of rights

under the law shall.not be abridged by the United States or by any state on account

of sex." (Women's Rights Adnenac). A very simple

statement, indeed, but its implications for the fair and equal treatment of vmnen in allareasof American life are innense. - The first equal rights amendment was proposed by the hknrni's Party back in 1923 as a step toward gaining the basic human rights due “Even as well as men. This first pro— posal caused quite a- stir with the men and women of that time. gOver the next' fifty or so years, many argued over what would be' the best way to establish equality for vmnrat. Gain; ing support for this pro— posal was a slow process. It is argued that the present form of the ERA is confusing and ambiguous because it does not state the specific effects it will have on present laws concerning such important areas as child support, alimony, division of property, and military service, particularly the draft. (Note: the U.S. Congress turned down the pro— posal to draft women into military service

a few weeks ago). Opponents of the ERA, notably Phyllis Schafly, say that this unclear. element will lead to many years of court battles as to the application of the

amendment in specific cases..

Proponents of the ERA claim that the amendment will work as a catalyst

to bring these important issues into the public

eye and get them clarified as soon as possible. Opponents also claim that if ERA is put into effect, women will no longer be protected against certain types of exploitation in the job market, such as forced overtime or working at jcbs that they physically cannot handle. Proponents respond that protective laws now in existance do

. not really "protect" vulnen

at all, but serve to keep vmnen out of well paying positions and keep them in poor paying and inferior jobs.

Scme still oanplain that the ERA will remove pro~ tection for those women who have "special family responsibilities". Others feel that only a very few vrmen need these types of protections, so in that case no one should have them. Still.others would give up their "right to equality" in order to ' attain alimony and child support. On the other hand, the most determined feminists claintthat service in the military is a requirement and

, Fine Arts

film studies).

Telephone (416) 667—2426.

‘Telephone (416) 667—3237.

Graduate Studies in

at York University

Two-year programs in Dance. Film, MUSIC. Theatre. and Visual Arts lead to Master of Fine Arts degrees at York. Graduate programs currently include: Dance history and criticism: Musicology of contemporary cultures; Visual Arts/Studio art (painting, drawing, sculpture, design, photography, graphics, experimental arts); Theatre (performance. playwriting. directing, design, production); Film — not offered in 1980 (Canadian film production and

For more information, contact: Mrs. "Magda Davey, Faculty of Graduate Studies, York University, Downsview ‘ (Toronto), Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3.

Undergraduate degree programs and Summer Stud/es are available in all five Departments. Contact the Information Officer, Faculty of Fine Arts. York University, Downsview (Toronto), Ontario, Canada M3.) 1P3.

responsibility of all citizens, therefore:— women should be drafted equally with men. Marriage and parenthood could be grounds for the deferment of mini and vulnen on an equal basis, while preg- nancy could be grounds for deferment on the basis of temporary physical dis- ability. ‘ Congress passed the ERA in 1972, giving the States seven years to ratify it. A three-fourths majority (38 states) is neCessary to ratify it, but as of 1977, only 35 states had done so. Congress ex- tended the ratification date to Oct. 20, 1982. If womaivent a guarantee against discrimination in all areas of society

' ‘ , i , I THE UPEi SUN, Thursday, february Z ‘ l§80flpage lOV ’_ . _ ,

EQUA‘I’L RIGHTS" AMMEND

' 7 III-IIIIIIIII- y I’ll-Il1’ jun-Ill- MENTTHE FEMININE PERSPE¢TIVE

~on the basis of their"

sex, vnznen want to stand as the rightful equals of men, then they are con— pelled to take up the challenge of destroying the sex role idea. Des-V truction of this sex— role idea starts with a basic guarantee of civil

equality, such as the equal rights amendment to the United States constitution.

‘Firntthere, changes, modi-

fications and revisions take place as a conse—

quence of instituting a basic right, nnxfli like the, pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. By completing that puzzle, what was fornerly frag- mented and unclear cry- stallizes into a cohesive meaningful whole.

BUSINESS $OCIETY x

By Holly MacDonald

Hi there. We hope that all of you survived the Caribbean Pub and that the jet lag the next day wasn't £23 distracting. But wait. Before another word is written, a point that is constantly being made by our Senior Class is “Where are the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen?” That's right, underclassmen. You're being poorly represented at fun filled events and you are really missing some good times.

_ There's still time for a

reprieve, so let's turn out in large numbers for future eVents and show who really has the SPIRIT. The Business Man's Dinner, which everyone has been looking forward to, has been finalized for March 24. The guest speaker is none other than Brian Peckford, Premier of Newfoundland. How can you pass this event up? The food will be fabuloush the speaker interesting, and the company exciting. So, circle March 24th on yoUr calendar, and start asking your friends if they're'

going.

r______-__

.ATTENTION t '

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a

C

The Business Society is Sponsering a one day curling bonspeil on Friday, March lhth, at the Belvedere Golf Club. The firSt draw will be around 1 pm, so having classes will be no excuse.« Never tried curling? Don't worry, thissis a fun 'speil, and everyone is welcome. Watch for-posters explaining

— sign up procedures.

Those attractive mugs you have been hearing about with the eye catching decals should arrive in a few short weeks. A real collectors item, these mugs will grace anyone's showcase, so don't forget to pick one up.

Congratulations are extended to the BusineSS\ _Hockey team who have shown such initiative in funding their tournament at Acadia. Best of luck boys. The boys asked me to express their gratitude to Prof R. Ellison whose donation was missed in last week's article.

He re ' s hop i ng eve ryone aces their midterms and has 'their wildest fantasies ‘come true on March break. See you later....

i

PARTY

l, 8330pm-12:30am/ ' I . AT KIRKWOOD MOTEL , l FUN’ “’00.. WNW I ‘ ALL PSYCH MAJORS o k, I III-III. ~— ; I»ii I

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