Friend,

Virginia's elections this month were a historic moment for our Commonwealth. Our new Democratic General Assembly members are heading to Richmond with a clear agenda to move Virginia forward, and one of the most important items on that agenda is finally ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.

This long-overdue constitutional amendment will guarantee equality under the law by clearly outlawing discrimination on the basis of sex. I'm so proud that two of the very first bills to be introduced in both houses of the General Assembly this week are resolutions making Virginia the 38th state to ratify the ERA. In the U.S. Senate this week, Tim Kaine and I sponsored a resolution that will make sure this guarantee of women's equality is expressly recognized in our Constitution.

Virginia is poised to make history, and I want to know where you stand. Will you sign my petition and show your support to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and guarantee women's equality in the U.S. Constitution?

After decades of brave activism by women across the country, we are on the verge of getting the support of the 38 states necessary to amend the Constitution. I'm proud to stand with the women in the General Assembly who are leading this charge, and I pledge to support their efforts in the Senate however I can.

As the General Assembly prepares to consider this important legislation, I hope you'll sign to show your support for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Sincerely,
Mark