Women’s rights are on the ballot this November in New Jersey and our choice is clear
Amid the pandemic, women’s rights issues are at the forefront of political discussion across the nation. With Roe v. Wade under attack and healthcare top of mind, it is imperative that our feminist values are reflected by state leadership as we enter the next legislative session. When it comes to their record on NOW’s six core issues — Reproductive Rights and Justice, Economic Justice, Ending Violence Against Women, Racial Justice, LGBTQIA+ Rights, and Constitutional Equality — the two gubernatorial candidates are at polar opposites.
Jack Ciattarelli voted to defund women’s healthcare as an Assembly member and said he will do so again. He has repeatedly opposed the Reproductive Freedom Act, which would ensure the right to abortion, and expand access to reproductive healthcare for all New Jerseyans. He has exploited the suffering of sexual assault survivors for political gain. He has even said he will roll back the newly instituted LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 curriculum (a bill that was incidentally written and lobbied for by members of Shore Area NOW).
In stark contrast, Governor Phil Murphy restored funding for Planned Parenthood and passed the strongest Equal Pay Act in the nation soon after assuming office in 2018. He has explicitly endorsed the Reproductive Freedom Act, supporting expanded access to women’s healthcare. A champion for the LGBTQIA+ community, Murphy implemented inclusive curriculum, signed the “LGBTQI+ Senior Bill of Rights”, and passed the Babs Siperstein Law, which allows individuals who were born in New Jersey to amend their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. Last month he signed legislation establishing a $45M fund for women and minority owned small businesses.
New Jersey deserves a leader who will support and uplift under-represented populations. We have made much progress under the current administration and we cannot afford to go backwards. This November, let us elect Phil Murphy for Governor once again – to keep moving the Garden State forward.
About National Organization for Women of NJ Political Action Committee (NOW-NJ PAC)
NOW-NJ PAC is the electoral action arm of NOW-NJ and it consists of representatives from all our chapters throughout the state along with members of the NOW New Jersey state board.
About National Organization for Women of New Jersey (NOW-NJ)
The purpose of NOW New Jersey is to take action through intersectional, anti-racist grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.
For more information about NOW-NJ PAC and NOW-NJ, please visit www.nownj.org.
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