Discord likely over ratifying women's rights pact

[Jeep789]

Source: Associated Press

NEW YORK – A global women's rights treaty completed 30 years ago has a better-than-ever chance for U.S. Senate ratification this year, yet the hunt for the needed 67 favorable votes is likely to incur the wrath of activists on both the left and right.

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Since its adoption by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979, all but eight of the 192 U.N. members have become a party to it — the United States is one of the holdouts, along with Sudan, Somalia, Qatar, Iran, Nauru, Palau and Tonga.

This year, with CEDAW-supporting Democrats holding power in Washington, Sen. Barbara Boxer plans a concerted effort to seek ratification as part of her agenda for a new Foreign Relations subcommittee chairmanship overseeing global women's issues.

"We've waited long enough," said Boxer, D-Calif. "All these years later, there's no excuse for not ratifying this critical convention to shine a light on women's rights around the world.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090307/ap_on_re_us/women_s...

[caty]

1. I hope it gets ratified.

It saddens me every time I read or hear about what women in some parts of this world have to go through. It's time women all over the world are treated as equal human beings and not as property.

[biopowertoday]

7. along with the US and its ERA

[seafan]

2. Jeb Bush, 2003: The ERA is so "retro..... it's like going back and wearing bell bottoms."

Glad Jeb's not running for Senate. We already know how he feels about equal treatment for women.



Discord likely over ratifying women's rights pact

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer
March 7, 2009

.....

This year, with CEDAW-supporting Democrats holding power in Washington, Sen. Barbara Boxer plans a concerted effort to seek ratification as part of her agenda for a new Foreign Relations subcommittee chairmanship overseeing global women's issues.
"We've waited long enough," said Boxer, D-Calif. "All these years later, there's no excuse for not ratifying this critical convention to shine a light on women's rights around the world.
"It's a shame that the U.S. stands with countries such as Iran, Sudan and Somalia in failing to ratify the treaty."

As the world observes International Women's Day on Sunday, scores of domestic and global human rights and women's groups are hoping that Boxer succeeds. However, the quest for ratification faces not only long-standing opposition from many conservatives, but also a relatively new challenge from a vocal faction of liberal activists who fear the treaty will be burdened with damaging, politically expedient exceptions.

From the right, U.S. opponents of CEDAW contend that ratification could lead to legalized prostitution, increased government interference in family matters, and abolition of remaining restrictions on abortion. They also question the value of joining a treaty that has been ratified by countries such as Saudi Arabia, where women cannot vote or drive.
"The treaty is worse than useless," said Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America. "It gives legitimacy to regimes that are committing some of the worst abuses against women."
Wright promised a vigorous fight against CEDAW, which she depicted as "the Equal Rights Amendment on steroids."

.....

CEDAW supporters say the treaty has been valuable in numerous countries in expanding property rights and political rights, developing domestic violence policies, and improving education for girls.
The treaty does not require legalization of prostitution, although the monitoring committee has recommended decriminalization in some countries so that women who are victims of sexual slavery and trafficking won't be deterred from seeking help from authorities.

If Boxer's subcommittee votes for ratifying the treaty, it would then advance to the full Foreign Relations Committee chaired by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

Kerry is "extremely supportive of stronger international frameworks for promoting global equality and women's empowerment," said committee spokesman Frederick Jones. "He is looking at a number of draft bills and international instruments and will support the most effective avenues to accomplish his ideals."

Wonderful, uplifting news today.

[Lucky Luciano]

3. Wow...looks like we are in good company:

"Sudan, Somalia, Qatar, Iran, Nauru, Palau and Tonga"

For fuck sake, even Saudi Arabia signed the bloody thing it appears!

[NCarolinawoman]

4. I was thinking the same thing.. Yuck!

Those hold-outs in this country should be shamed by that list.

A paper with a big print out showing all of those countries, should be rattled in front of their faces.

[defendandprotect]

5. Yes, yes, yes !!!

[biopowertoday]

6. First REC for the women of the world.

[No Elephants]

8. 30 years and the U.S. hasn't ratified this and "discord" is still expected. Wow, just wow.