I would like to draw the attention of Gov. Janet Mills and the members of the state Senate and House to the passage of the equal rights amendment.

I saw that the amendment was voted favorably out of committee. I, a senior woman, thought this was enacted years ago. This is discrimination against women, and inflicts a heavy burden on men.

Girls are taught: “You can do anything.” Then they do it, and wonder where the rewards are.

Wages are low, so they can’t afford child care. Women do not get paid equally. I’ve never heard of a woman getting higher status or income if she has a family, but I’ve heard about men getting a job because “he has a family to support.”

Women are not “less than.” We balance budgets, prioritize finances, run households. We are teachers, doctors, nurses, scientists, food service workers and volunteers filling in the cracks in our civilization as school board members, Scout leaders, transporters of children, civil rights activists and church leaders.

The Portland Press Herald reported last year that six female Colby College coaches alleged they were receiving significantly less pay than their male counterparts. How many have worked how long underpaid?

The amendment passed in both the House and Senate, but without the two-thirds required to put it on the ballot. It was tabled in early March. As of Tuesday, it remains in the Legislature as “unfinished business.”  The Legislature must pass the equal rights amendment. It is a gift we can give the girls and boys of tomorrow.

Violet Gerber, Auburn

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