AJR 32 Summary

• Requests that the United States Senate ratify and the President sign the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (adopted by the UN in 1979)

• Emphasizes that 186 countries have ratified the treaty, but the United States is the only industrialized nation that has not, despite being considered a global leader in human rights and democracy

• Outlines commitments ratifying governments make, including ensuring equal rights in employment, education, voting, property ownership, marriage, and reproductive choice for women

• Requests Congress and the President enact appropriate legislation addressing concerns related to gender discrimination, including noting that over 6 million women are beaten annually by partners in the United States

• Directs the California Legislature to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, Congressional leadership, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and all California members of Congress