The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1922-02-04

Its enactment by the
legislatures of the states would 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 as individuals
1t will affect the divorce laws of many states
Marriage will no longer remove woman's citi
Zenship. A mother may become the equal guard
an with her husband of her children. A wife's
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 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 its promoters
could not get it before the legSlature members
refused to introduce it the ground that it
would destroy the headshp of the family. In
Alabama the bill was defeated with practical una
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
one legislature-that 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
to gain time--and doubtless also to secure ma
tional publicity-it seeks amendment to the
federal constitution.
This proposed amendment to the Constitution
is short and to the point 1t reads:
"Sec NO political, civil or legal disabilities
or inequalities on account of SEX or on account
of marriage unless applying alike to both sexes,
shall exist within the United States or 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 dlf-
ference comes in; here is where the opposition
camp cries "Stop!"
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. Inc
law in a word, has recognized sex and has con
ferred special privileges upon woman 10 ONSET
her limitation because of sex.
There is a long list of these special state laws
that have been enacted for women because tley
are women. This list includes legislation on MINI
mum wage mothers pensions limitation OF hours
prohibition of night work etc, etc. Ana thefe is
the federal "maternity' act, just passed by con-
gresS.
Tho women in opposition to the blanket law
ana 70 the constitutional amendment therefore OPP
nose these two measures on the ground mat ihey
throw all women's welfare legislation III the pal
once. that in gaining absolute equality before the
law. woman will lose what has betn secured for her
as woman through long year, of unceasng effort
Therefore tie National Leag@e Of Women Voters
md tbe ofner organizations IN It's camp believe IN
ACCOMPLISHING the revision Of state laws grad
uallv by methods that shall create no hardship
and no upheaval. Their campaign provides ler m
rastication in each state and special legislation
to fit tie case.
Rotb camps. Of course, have consulted the law
ors as ~ the effect of the adoption OF the const