AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on the sex of an individual.
LD 344, if enacted, would send the question of a constitutional amendment to voters in the next statewide election. The question on the ballot would read, "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to prohibit the denial or abridgment by the State or any political subdivision of the State of equal rights based on the sex of an individual?"
During the bill's public hearing before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, over 100 people testified in support of the measure. The resolution is part of a 50-year effort by Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, D-South Portland, the bill's sponsor. She has been involved for all those years in both getting states to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and encouraging states to pass similar provisions to their own constitutions. Twenty-six states have amended their own constitutions. The federal ERA has not yet been certified nor taken effect.
"It is time to pass the ERA in the Legislature and give Maine voters the chance to rise in support of equality," said Galgay Reckitt. "It's a matter of principle and permanence that the Constitution of Maine treats all people equally regardless of sex or gender. I am thankful to all my colleagues who voted in support of the ERA, and I urge everyone who opposed it today to let the people of Maine speak for themselves by voting in favor of the bill's enactment."
The measure faces further votes in both the House and Senate. If the Legislature votes to enact Galgay Reckitt's bill with a two-thirds majority, the proposal will be sent to Maine voters for final approval.
Reckitt is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents part of South Portland. She serves on both the Judiciary Committee and the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Galgay Reckitt], c. 812-1111