Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Women's Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Los Angeles City Council unanimously backs CEDAW resolution
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council on March 15 adopted a resolution endorsing local implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), urging U.S. ratification and noting local support from Amnesty International and the City—s Commission on the Status of Women.
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously March 15 to adopt a resolution urging local implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and to reaffirm the city—s commitment to advancing women—s rights.
The resolution, brought forward by Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg and the city—s Commission on the Status of Women, notes that the United States signed CEDAW in 1980 but has not ratified it, and describes the treaty—s goals to eliminate discrimination in political, educational, employment, health-care, economic, social, legal, marriage and family matters. Mario Tafur of Amnesty International spoke in support of the resolution during the public hearing, and said local implementation would help integrate gender considerations into local policy-making.
Goldberg told the council the resolution was sponsored by the Commission on the Status of Women and several local groups. The council opened a short public hearing to allow advocates to speak; Mario Tafur and other speakers urged adoption and said local implementation could build momentum for U.S. ratification.
After public comment, Council President Pro Tem Ruth Galanter opened the roll; the clerk recorded 13 ayes and the resolution was approved.
The action places Los Angeles among the municipalities publicly backing CEDAW principles at the local level, while acknowledging that actual U.S. ratification remains pending in the U.S. Senate.
