Us Congress House Bill HR445

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23

Caption

Calling on the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Impact

The ratification of CEDAW would signify a commitment by the United States to uphold and protect the rights of women while aligning with global standards. The resolution points to local actions taken in cities and states across the U.S. that support CEDAW principles, indicating a strong public push for equality measures. Should the resolution lead to successful ratification, it may transform legislative approaches to discrimination, requiring enhanced protections and proactive measures to ensure women's rights are recognized and upheld.

Summary

House Resolution 445 calls upon the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This resolution highlights the ongoing disparities in economic opportunities for women and the barriers that continue to inhibit their full participation in society. CEDAW was adopted in 1979 yet remains unratified by the United States, which is among a select few nations that have not adopted this pivotal international agreement. The resolution posits that ratification is essential to promote gender equality and the advancement of women's rights across various fields, including education, employment, and health care.

Contention

Notably, there has been contention surrounding the CEDAW, particularly from more conservative factions who view it as an overreach of international law into domestic policy. Critics argue that ratifying CEDAW could lead to unforeseen legal implications that might challenge existing laws and societal norms. Advocates for the resolution counter that such claims are unfounded and emphasize that the legislation is crucial to combatting systemic discrimination against women. The debate reflects broader tensions regarding gender rights and international influence on U.S. law, with significant implications for how the issue of women's equality is handled at both state and national levels.