Agenda - 01-24-2017 - 6-a - Minutes

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6 1 that has served, and may it continue to serve, as a beacon of hope, progress, revival and 2 freedom for all. 3 4 This 15th Day of November 2016. 5 6 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to 7 adopt the resolution: A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MOUNT BRIGHT MISSIONARY 8 BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY. 9 10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 11 12 a. Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment 13 The Board considered approving the Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights 14 Amendment (ERA). 15 16 BACKGROUND: 17 At the November 1, 2016 Board meeting, Commissioner Renee Price petitioned the Board to 18 consider a Resolution in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Commissioner Price provided 19 a draft resolution for consideration. 20 21 The Equal Rights Amendment affirmed the equal application of the Constitution to all citizens; 22 which read: "Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every 23 place subject to its jurisdiction." The amendment was introduced in every session of Congress; 24 and was approved in reworded form by the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives on 25 March 22, 1972. 26 27 The proposed 27th Amendment to the Constitution was sent to the States for ratification, and 28 fell three states short of ratification; including the State of North Carolina. 29 30 PUBLIC COMMENT: 31 Jennifer Miller said she wanted to thank Commissioner Price for introducing this 32 resolution. She said the Board's support of the ERA amendment will give hope and momentum 33 to women seeking equal status under the United States Constitution. She said the ERA will 34 strengthen the rights of women and give protection in the workplace, as well as many other 35 areas. 36 Marena Gral said she is the Chair of NC for ERA, and the Co-Chair of Statewide ERA 37 NC Alliance. She said as a Durham resident she is proud to address Orange County. She said 38 she believed in the Board's high calling as elected officials. She said they are asking the Board 39 to advocate for the civil rights of women. She said legislation cannot be piecemealed, and 40 there must be universal equality. She said state laws are not uniform and federal laws are not 41 comprehensive, and all protective acts and titles can be revised, reduced, and repealed at the 42 whim of the changing tides of political agendas and administrations. She said the equal 43 protection clause of the 14th Amendment is not that equal. She said this issue must be on the 44 forefront of political discussions. 45 Commissioner Rich asked Ms. Gral if she is speaking in other parts of the state. 46 Marena Gral said the other co-chair lives in the western part of the state, and the goal is 47 to go to every county and congressional district in the state. 48 Commissioner Jacobs said expressed gratitude to these women and encouraged them 49 to keep fighting for equality. 50 Commissioner Price read the resolution: