My name is Charlotte Klasson, state
coordinator for the Louisiana National Organization for Women and I wish to
thank you for the brief opportunity to testify in favor of this bill from the
perspective of how anti-discrimination laws have benefited the lives of all of
the women in your life.
Everyone from your sister, your wife,
your daughter or your niece along with countless friends and neighbors are
benefactors of anti-discrimination laws. The world has become a more fulfilling
place for the women you love now that our laws have opened the doors that allowed
them to realize their full potential as members of a society, of this country,
that champions fairness and equality for all of our citizens.
Think of the improved health and
self-confidence of your daughters and granddaughters who get to participate in
sports, of your wives and sisters who work in an environment that respects
their contributions and allows them to better their lives because we demand
work conditions that we all agree should be free of harassment. This will not
happen without strong anti-discrimination laws.
Think of the improved educational
opportunities that opened the door to careers and adventures, once only
available to men, that your grandmothers sadly could barely dream about. Those
are wonderful realities that improved the lives of half of our population and
all of you on this committee also have tremendously better lives because of it.
This did not happen without strong, well-defined anti-discrimination laws.
Anti-discrimination laws have allowed
women the security to become mothers and care-givers while continuing to
provide for their families because they are supported both legally and
ethically. In addition, the work lives of women and families were improved when
we allowed aspects of gender and age discrimination to be challenged and that
is the hallmark of country that is trying to quickly right the complicated wrongs
that once held women back during our past century.
All citizens want the same
opportunities to live fulfilling lives with rewarding work, to be valued as
contributors to the success of their families and to live free of fear that who
they are, male or female, young or old, will be used against them as they work
towards bettering their lives.
Allowing sex discrimination against
our citizens diminishes us as humans who have a duty and the capacity to
fairness to all of our daughters and granddaughters who will soon be our
leaders and soon-to-be legislators. It could not happen without
anti-discrimination laws.
Please improve the lives of Louisiana
citizens by acknowledging that discrimination by gender, age or other quality
is unacceptable. Our success as a state depends upon it. What is that old
adage? A rising tide lifts all boats? Help all of our citizens to live better
and more equitable lives and everyone in our state is rewarded. To do otherwise
is no longer an option. Thank you for your time and attention.
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