30 Year Old Treaty for Equal Rights Still Not Ratified by the U.S.

In 1979 the UN adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The US has yet to sign this international treaty along with Iran, Nauru, Palau, Qatar, Sudan, Somalia, and Tonga. Are you kidding me?! In 30 years the United States has not seen fit to sign a treaty that ensures equal treatment for women?! Now I know that that's a lot of explanation points for one paragraph, but seriously folks, whats the deal?

In an article by the associated press, opponents are said to question the treaty:

From the right, U.S. opponents of CEDAW contend that ratification could lead to legalized prostitution, increased government interference in family matters, and abolition of remaining restrictions on abortion. They also question the value of joining a treaty that has been ratified by countries such as Saudi Arabia, where women cannot vote or drive.

Further, opponents advise that the US should not sign the treaty without adding it's own set of reservations, understandings, and declarations (RUDs) which is basically another term for adding language excluding the U.S. From adhering to certain parts of the treaty (such as a disclaimer that abortion is not a right etc). Well, guess what? The reason that Saudi Arabia has signed the treaty and women still cannot vote or drive is because they added their own RUDs to the treaty before signing it. So, we can sign the treaty as is and show Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world how it's done, or we can add some exceptions to the treaty, sign it, and be just like Saudi Arabia. By the way, CEDAW does not legalize prostitution, that statement along with a few others are only scare tactics used by opponents of the treaty.

I urge everyone to read up on this important treaty, and then write to your senators to tell them that you support the signing of CEDAW without RUDs. To get the contact information for your senator click here.

Need some help with your letter? Here's a sample letter:

Dear Senator xxxx,

I support Senator Boxer's efforts to get the CEDAW treaty ratified by the U.S., and I hope that you will also support her efforts. I believe that we need to set an example to the rest of the world and sign this treaty without any reservations, understanding, and declarations attached to it. Please support this important treaty which will help further the U.S. standard of equality for all.

Sincerely,
xxxx