The Snowflake herald., 1922-01-20

practically change
the whole status of women in the United States.
1t sets women on exactly the same plane as men
in everything affecting their freedom of action as
citizens and individuals
1t will affect the divorce laws of many states.
Marriage will no longer remove wOman's citi-
zenship. mother may become the equal guardi-
an with her husband of her children. wifes
earnings are no longer at the disposition of her
husband. married woman may choose her
home; she may even select her name. And it puts
men and women on exactly the same plane in re-
spect to jury service-which opens up an exceed
ingly complicated and interesting question; as
suggested by the outcome of the Arbuckle case in
San Francisco. These are but few of the many
radical changes that would be brought about by
the adoption of the blanket law by the legislatures
This blanket bill has found hard shedding in
most of the states. In Louisiana it's promoters
could not get it before the legislature; members
refused to introduce it on the ground that it
would destroy the headship of the family. In
Alabama the bill was defeated with practical
nimity. In Florida the result was the same In
Michigan it is claimed that the bill will be passed
at the next regular session, two years from now.
In short, this blanket bill has been passed by but
legislature of Wisconsin.
So the campaign has been tedious and the re-
suit small. Of course the National Woman's par
ty has not given up the battle in the states 1t is
still campaigning and intends to campaign. But
to gain time--and doubtless also to secure ma
tionaI publicity-it seeks an amendment to the
federal constitution.
This proposed amendment to the Constitution
is short and to the point. 1t reads:
"Sec. 1.-No political, civil or legal disabilities
or inequalities on account of sex, on account
of marriage, unless applying alike to both sexes,
shall exist within the United States any place
subject to their jurisdiction.
"Sec 2.-Congress shall have power to enforce
this article by appropriate legislation"
This you see, accomplishes all that the blanket
bill does 1t puts men and women on an equality
before the law. 1t eliminates the question Of sex.
Now here is where the distinction with diff
ference comes in; here is where the opposition
camp cries "Stopw
In many of the states the persistent efforts Of
woman's organizations have secured for women
rights and privileges under the law which were
granted to women because they were women. The
law, in word, has recognized sex and has con-
ferred special privileges upon woman to onset
her limitation because of sex.
There is long list Of these special state laws
that have been enacted for women because they
are women. This list includes legislation on mini
mum wage, mothers pensions, limitation Of hours,
prohibition of night work, etc. etc. And there Is
the federal maternity" act, just passed by con-
gress.
The women in opposition to the blanket law
and to the constitutional amendment therefore op-
pose these two measures on the ground that they
throw all women's welfare legislation In the bal
ance that in gaining absolute equality before the
law woman will lose what has been secured for her
as woman through long years Of unceasing eHort
Therefore the National League Of Women Voters
and the other organizations in its camp believe in
accomplishing the revision Of state laws grad
ually by methods that shall create no hardship
and no upheaval Their campaign provides for in
yestigation In each state and special legislation
to fit the case.
Both camps, Of course, have consulted the law
yers p, to the effect Of the adoption of the consti