Minutes 11-15-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

6 Sesquicentennial Anniversary, with the Reverend Melvin Gattis as Associate Minister, and the Reverend Sharon Shanklin Freeland as Associate Minister and Church Administrator; and BE IT MOREOVER RESOLVED, that Mount Bright Missionary Baptist Church is hereby recognized by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners as a pillar in the community, that has served, and may it continue to serve, as a beacon of hope, progress, revival and freedom for all. This 15th Day of November 2016. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to adopt the resolution: A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MOUNT BRIGHT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment The Board considered approving the Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). BACKGROUND: At the November 1, 2016 Board meeting, Commissioner Renee Price petitioned the Board to consider a Resolution in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Commissioner Price provided a draft resolution for consideration. The Equal Rights Amendment affirmed the equal application of the Constitution to all citizens; which read: "Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction." The amendment was introduced in every session of Congress; and was approved in reworded form by the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives on March 22, 1972. The proposed 27th Amendment to the Constitution was sent to the States for ratification, and fell three states short of ratification; including the State of North Carolina. PUBLIC COMMENT: Jennifer Miller said she wanted to thank Commissioner Price for introducing this resolution. She said the Board's support of the ERA amendment will give hope and momentum to women seeking equal status under the United States Constitution. She said the ERA will strengthen the rights of women and give protection in the workplace, as well as many other areas. Marena Gral said she is the Chair of NC for ERA, and the Co-Chair of Statewide ERA NC Alliance. She said as a Durham resident she is proud to address Orange County. She said she believed in the Board's high calling as elected officials. She said they are asking the Board to advocate for the civil rights of women. She said legislation cannot be piecemealed, and there must be universal equality. She said state laws are not uniform and federal laws are not comprehensive, and all protective acts and titles can be revised, reduced, and repealed at the whim of the changing tides of political agendas and administrations. She said the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment is not that equal. She said this issue must be on the forefront of political discussions.