T ABOUT ION

ciples behind the resolutions. Nevertheless, special. ists in certain areas were unhappy with some of the language; moreover, there was opposition-strong opposition:-èxpected on the issues that had been made controversial: freedom of choice, sexual preference, and ERA. Those voices had to be heard.

The National Organization for Women is an organ. ization full of strong-headed women who have learned their political lessons over the years. One of these lessons is that the opposition must be heard, and that a little compromise goes a long way. So NOW developed and encouraged a strategy that included limited debate on the controversialized issues and limited amending by those who were genuinely unhappy with the resolutions as they stood. Thus, the Handicapped Women's Resolution, the Minority Women's Resolution, and the Education Resolu. tion were amended. The Minority Women's Resolution was a good case in point. The simple resolution was substituted with a multi-part resolution, each part being presented to the floor by a representative of her group: a Native American, an Aslan American, a Mexican American, a Puerto Rican American, an Eskimo, and, finally, a Black American by the name of Coretta Scott King. The substitute was passed by a margin greater than 80%, and the place broke into pandemonium much like the one that ensued after the ERA resolution. Women hugged one another, holding each other's hands, singing "We Shall Overcome" with tears streaming down their faces. Much the same thing happened after the passage of the Sexual Preference resolu. tion. There was an eloquent argument for the reso. lution made by Eleanor Smeal, President of NOW, and even Betty Friedan, first NOW president, asked for unity on this resolution after a history of contending that the lesbianism issue did not belong in the women's movement. The resolution was passed with the support of not only the entire femi. nist vote but also some support from areas one would have never predicted.

One resolution, the final one, did not pass. was the resolution calling for the creation of a Women's Department. During the NOW reception

on Friday night, members were asked their opinions on the resolution. After pro and con debate, the body voted against the resolution for the following reasons: Such a move would have dangerous, segregationist Implications for women's issues in government. All departments should be dealing with the issues of concern to women where appro priate. Women would have no control over who would be appointed to head the department. Phyllis Schafly? In France, such an office was created and, despite a strong feminist movement, was made Into the butt of political joking In the press and in cabinet meetings. NOW sentiments were shared by almost unanimous vote with the delegates on the floor. The women rejected Bella Abzug's attempts to not allow • a vote on the resolution until time ran out, and defeated it.

So, the resolutions were passed on schedule, there was amending, and there was debate. By common consent, the most level-headed, fairest chairing took place under the hand of Anne Saunier, a member of the Board of Directors of NOW. BUT THIS WAS NOT A FEMINIST CONFERENCE. It was govern. ment-sponsored and played by those rules. Only 300 of the 1,797 delegates were NOW members. Ob. viously, then, no card-carrying feminist could have dominated in the voting. Yet, this body of women showed remarkable unity, surprising even them. selves on some of the votes, and fantastic discipline. "Let them do their thing" was often heard on the floor. This is not to say that tempers didn't flare and that we were all one, unanimous block. Women come in as many different political colors as men do. However, they knew the Issues, they knew their own personal priorities, and they disciplined themselves. The strategy on the floor was one that many a politi. cal party would give their eyeteeth for. And, speak. ing personally as a woman weaned on feminism in NOW, It was a historic and welcome endorsement of a philosophy that has become second nature. WOMEN WILL GO FORTH.

The death knell of the women's movement rings in the silvery voice of

the feminist gossip.

She smiles and says "I heard that..."' and truth becomes fiction

and fiction fact.

And distrust filters between.

Judy Rainbrook

..Eva Janecek

WOMEN'S RIGHTS PROJECT OF ACLU EXPANDS SERVICES

The following letter was received from Eileen Roberts, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Cleveland.

Dear Friends,

May I call to your attention the Women's Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohlo (ACLU). It has been in existence for the last four years, but has recently received additional funding allowing an expansion of our activities.

The ACLU of Ohio is a non-profit organization 'devoted to the defense of civil liberties with offices In Cleveland and Columbus and volunteer commit. tees around the state. Our Women's Rights Project attempts to protect and promote women's rights under the law. This is achieved in various ways, lobbying at all legislative levels, by being involved In the drafting of new legislation, and by public education.

We feel that now, more than ever before, thee is a need for women's groups to work together. To help achieve this goal we are offering our services.

S stated above, we are a legally oriented organi ation dealing with constitutional rights, and will be glad to answer questions and if necessary carry through to litigation or legislative action if these are appropriate.

WE have listed below some of the topics we deal with and consider Women's Rights issues.

Equal Rights Amendment Employment Discrimination Discrimination In

Educational Institutions, Including Vocational Institutions Abortion and Sterilization--The right to control one's own body

Names and Name Change (including children) Credit and Insurance Discrimination Sex Discrimination In the Military

Sex Discrimination in Labor Unions including Apprenticeship Training Plans

Discrimination due to Marital Status (including illegitimacy)

Gay Rights

Criminal laws as applied to women:

a. Women as defendants, due process, equal protec tion rights

b. Sentencing and Prison Conditions (Including juvenile institutions)

c. Prostitution

d. Rape

e. Discrimination in health care, including mental health institutions.

If we can be of assistance to you, please call. Our office hours are Mon.-Fri., 9.5 p.m. Our telephone number is 781-6276.

In addition we are asking for your cooperation. We feel that it is imperative for us to set up a legislative alert network, whereby we would contact you when we felt it was necessary for people to commun. icate with legislators on a specific issue or bill. It would involve letter writing, mailgrams or telephone calls on your part. We will supply necessary information,

We hope you will participate in the legislative alert program and of course use our services...

To be put on the mailing list of the ACLU Womens Rights Project and/or to participate in the legis lative alert, send your name, address and telephone number to Elleen Roberts, Executive Director, ACLU, 2108 Payne Avenue, #507, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.

What She Wants December, 1977/poge 9