THE PL

ERA repealers still alive in Ohio

COLUMBUS (A) Two resolutions that would rescind Ohio's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment for women have not gone anywhere in the current legislative session, but supporters are still hopeful.

This issue is not going to be forgotten," insisted State Rep. John P. Wargo, D-2, of Lisbon, who introduced a repealer last March 27. A similar measure was put forth the same day by State Rep. John A: Galbraith, R-69, of Maumee.

Neither resolution has been granted a hearing or even referred to a standing committee. Both sponsors concede that no action will be taken this year.

That was the message they conveyed to a group of about 75 women, opposed to ERA, who showed up at the Statehouse to lobby for repeal. But the legislators urged them to drum up support for a renewed effort when the 112th Gener-

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al Assembly convenes next January.

The women, members of Eagle Forum and the Committee to Rescind ERA, want the legislature to appoint a task force to study the legality of rescinding state approval of the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Legal questions have been raised about successful resolutions to rescind ERA approval in Tennessee and Nebraska.

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"The proponents of ERA are arrogantly claiming that a state legislature is locked into their decision once ERA gains legislative approval," said Ann Kitzmiller of Eagle Forum. "However, on the other side of the coin, if a state legislature rejects this superfluous amendment, the issue is considered again and again."

Wargo thinks the legality of rescinding ERA has been sufficiently established by legal opinions and that the task force would not be necessary.

He is opposed to the women's rights law because it "goes far beyond what was originally intended." He contends the amendment would, legitimize homosexual marriages and wreck labor laws aimed at protecting women.

"When they talk to their constituents," Wargo said of his fellow legislators, "after the election, they're going to come back with different feelings."

State Rep. Michael P. Stinziano, D-30, of Columbus, who sponsored the ratification resolution when it was approved in February 1974, said the opponents are still a distinct minority.

Thirty-four states have ratified ERA, if Tennessee and Nebraska are included. Thirtyeight states must approve to make it the 27th amendment to the Constitution.