Rep. Johnson celebrates Women's Equality Day with call to action on pending legislation
State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) today released the following statement marking the 96th anniversary of the adoption of the nineteenth amendment granting women the right to vote. The lawmaker commemorated the historical significance of the day while calling for greater and swifter action on legislation promoting equality in the state of Ohio.
“Less than 100 years ago, women in this democratic nation were not permitted a voice at the ballot box— our most sacred freedom and civic right,” says Johnson. “Today—only a couple generations later—we are still demanding full political, economic and social equality. The discussion of equal pay, paid parental leave and LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws are not tired issues. These are very real issues which permeate our society and prevent our women, families and communities from reaching their fullest potential.”
Rep. Johnson serves as Vice Chairman to the Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus (OHDWC) and is one of only 27 female members serving in the 99-member Ohio House of Representatives. During her first term as a state lawmaker, she introduced legislation to eliminate the sales tax on feminine hygiene products, increase access to justice for victims of rape and sexual assault, enhance women’s reproductive healthcare access and increase the number of women serving on corporate boards. She also co-sponsored legislation to address gender pay disparity and increase protections for LGBTQ Ohioans.
“Today is an excellent day to remind legislative leaders of the many pieces of pending legislation which would bridge the gaps of gender and sexual orientation disparities in Ohio,” Johnson continued. “We have citizens who could lawfully get married today, but be lawfully fired tomorrow solely based on whom they love. We must act on these very real opportunities to change the status of women in Ohio if we want the next 100 years to offer even greater opportunities that put our daughters and granddaughters on the path toward success.”