ERA dealt a setback

by Georgia

-

ATLANTA. Ga. P The Georgia Legislature rejected the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution yesterday as the state House of Representatives voted 104 to 70 against it.

In a 31-hour debate. opponents argued vigorously the amendment that is designed to make men and women equal would subject women to military drafts and unisex toilet facilities. and sanction homosexual marriages.

Thirty-two states have ratified the amendment: the approval of 38 is required.

Rep. Grace Hamilton, one of two women in the Georgia House. argued that the amendment would only require that men and women be treated equally under the law. But her sentiments did not win out.

Former Gov. Marvin Griftin. asked to speak briefly. told a yarn about a man who said. "Let the women who want to be in the Army go down and join. but don't take my Effie she's all I got. If they draft Effie. who the hell will cut the stovewood?”

ATLANTA. Ga. (? Sec(@ retary of the Army Howard H. "Bo Callaway said yesterday women would be allowed to fight in combat il they wanted to do so.

"But I don't think the country is ready yet for women to go into combat." Callaway told a news conference. He was being questioned about the Equal Rights Amendment. He said the courts would make the final determination.