VCC Magazine Spring 2019

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2019 33 Close, But No ERA By Sarah Alderson The regular 2019Virginia General Assembly session has adjourned sine die and is in the books—but not in the history books, at least not in the way so many people had hoped. A historical opportunity was once again given to Virginia legislators, but ultimately ignored. Actually, it was embraced at first, but then somehow got pushed aside. The opportunity, in the form of bills to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, was not just killed in a House committee this time, but wasn’t even allowed to be discussed or voted on. There were numerous attempts to resuscitate it, but to no avail. As the old carnies used to say, “Close, but no cigar.” But as often happens, opportunities can get missed. And the game can be lost for a multitude of reasons. This year was more significant than ever. Virginia had the chance to be THE final state needed to ratify the ERA. The whole country and even the world were watching for Virginia’s leadership. Initially, this issue was thought to be a fairly safe bet. The subject had gained bipartisan support as it had been passed in the Senate and killed in a House Committee year after year. But this time around, the bills introduced had both Democratic and Republican patrons. This year seemed different.Women had made even greater inroads politically and at all levels of government. The excitement for the new session was palpable. Promises and commitments were made. There was an impressive bipartisan movement afoot. Not to mention that polls reported that a majority of Virginians wanted the ERA passed. It seemed to be the perfect time for Virginia not only to make history, but to be on the right side of it. It was also a good time for the Commonwealth to take a leadership role nationally. The momentum at the beginning of the session did bring the bill closer than ever before to being passed. But close doesn’t count. And even though it was serious business to many, the longer the session went on, the more the handling of the bills became more like a game—one of those really tight basketball games when you think the outcome is going one way one minute, then another the next.When it got down to the wire, things changed practically by the minute. If the bill had been a ball on the court, one could have risked whiplash trying to follow the action too closely. The ball went into the basket and out again. Fouls were made to hold up the game. Calls were made that seemed arbitrary. Requests were made and denied. Questions and excuses were made regarding rules. But unfortunately, there were no unbiased referees. “ To pass a bill that acknowledges the rights of women in the Constitution, this will take a change in the General Assembly membership. It is unfortunate and disappointing that many members do not see the value in supporting the Equal Rights Amendment. ” Delegate Betsy Carr Simply put, the issue once again became a partisan competition. While tight games can be both exciting and stressful, at least someone is happy at the end because there is ultimately a winner. But there were really no winners here. By the end of this last session, it’s as if Lucy had pulled the football away from Charlie Brown once again. And there was no one cheering. The effort to add this particular milestone for the Commonwealth to celebrate and/or recognize this year was not successful, but it still is the 400th anniversary of other major Virginia events of national significance. Four hundred years ago, the first representative legislative assembly in the western hemisphere met here, the first recorded Africans to English North America arrived, and the first official Thanksgiving in North America was observed. Even if our government has to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, it is because of the exhaustive efforts of so many inVirginia that the ERA is most certainly going to be ratified one way or another before long. All of the work that has been done here has sparked the interest of the rest of the country. Others states have ratified it, and many more are bringing the issue to the forefront now. Look at the record numbers of women being elected at all levels of government. Look at the numbers of men supporting them. Elections do have consequences. As do the actions of those who are elected. If and when the ERA is fully ratified, wouldn’t it be nice if Virginia could get the credit for being THE state that made it possible? Sarah Alderson is an award-winning freelance writer who also works in the Senate and House broadcast control rooms during sessions and the Capitol Studio throughout the year. She can be reached at aldersonproductions@gmail.com . V