Why Not ERA?

It's your friend, Jackie, rabble-rousing again. This time, I'm advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in Minnesota. 

Here's a bit of insider scoop. The ERA Minnesota push initially included a Republican woman, who later removed her name because the big boys didn't want her to push for equal rights. I don't know about you, but if leadership in my party tried to shutdown my rights, I'd push even harder. 

Here's a quote sharing the history of ERA from Betty Folliard, a former state representative and Founder of ERA Minnesota.

"The ERA is a non-partisan issue. Alice Paul, a Republican, wrote the ERA in 1923. It was supported by every subsequent Republican president up until Ronald Reagan and was actively promoted by two former First Ladies: Pat Nixon & Betty Ford. For decades it was part of the GOP platform."

Ladies, support the ERA as a matter of principle. This is non-partisan when party leaders stay the heck out of it. We are women and will not be oppressed. Unite, support, and protect each other.

Feminism is about supporting the choices we make, despite our differences, because we all are working towards the same goals. We desire the best for our families and communities. Let them not divide us. Judge not and spread the love and joy of inclusion. Join together in a resounding voice for equality. 

Peace to you and yours - Jackie 

Safe & Supportive Schools For All

As those who know me have invariably heard, one of my favorite sayings is, "There are more differences within groups than there are between groups." This can also be flipped to, “There are more similarities between groups than there are within groups.” This post is about one of the many similarities I share with most of my friends and family members: the value of protecting the safety of all children.

The people I know, respect, and even love vary widely on a broad political spectrum. Please humor me for a moment and remove our political agendas and move directly to our base feelings about protecting all children. Let’s see those mommy and daddy bears that come out when we find someone has harmed our children. Stay with me my friends... I’m going to talk about sexual orientation.

For most people, sexual orientation is not a choice. Some would argue it’s not a choice for anyone, but I’m going to stick with a source I trust: the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA’s description of what causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation is as follows:

“There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.”

Are you still with me? Here’s an exercise to test our empathy skills.

Imagine yourself in a romantic embrace with someone of the opposite gender you are not attracted to. Want to stretch yourself? Imagine a similar situation with someone of your same gender. Uncomfortable and confusing, huh? Now, imagine you are a child trying to understand these feelings.

This is how the ACA explains how people know they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual:

“According to current scientific and professional understanding, the core attractions that form the basis for adult sexual orientation typically emerge between middle childhood and early adolescence. These patterns of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction may arise without any prior sexual experience. People can be celibate and still know their sexual orientation--be it lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual.”

Another similarity many of us share is that we are followers of Jesus. I’m being completely genuine and honest when I share that it’s been a struggle for me understanding how the lessons of love and tolerance I learned from the teachings of Jesus have been twisted politically to spread intolerance. It’s even harder for me to comprehend that there are still human beings out there who would rather harm children by exposing them to bullying and even worse, bogus conversion therapies, than support a child's sexual orientation.

Here’s why am I bringing this up now. I advocate for all of our children being protected with strong bullying prevention legislation guaranteeing them learning in a safe and supportive environment. Too many children face harassment and even violence, leading to serious mental health issues and sometimes suicide-related behavior. 

Right now, there is a bill in the Minnesota Senate (SF221) to exempt a large number of school districts from implementing the Safe & Supportive Minnesota Schools law (passed last April). There’s an identical bill in the Minnesota House (HF102).

Safe & Supportive Minnesota Schools law being signed by Governor Dayton.
Photo by Glen Stubbe

To protect the safety of all children, please contact your local representative and senator and let them know you do NOT want our Safe & Supportive Schools (anti-bullying) law watered down. Thank you for sticking with me… your pestering, progressive friend.

Peace to you and yours - Jackie