Blog

On June 23, 2022, five leaders in the political and equal rights movements came together to discuss the current state of democracy and women's role in advancing it. 

Touching on subjects including voter suppression, empowering underserved communities, and attacks on gender and sex-based equality, the panelists had several messages for women working to defend our democracy.

On June 23, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, overturning a New York gun safety law. The Court ruled that New York’s law requiring a license to carry concealed weapons in public places is unconstitutional. 

Gun violence has a relatively more devastating impact on certain groups of people, including the LGBTQIA+ community. The disproportionate impact of gun violence on the LGBTQIA+ community makes gun safety a vital protection for community members.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we can never forget that LGBTQIA+ rights need continual support and activism. Sadly, through the past year, we have seen a range of devastating anti-LGBTQIA+ bills across several states.   

LWVUS board president and Planned Parenthood North Central States medical director, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, made the following remarks in response to the Supreme Court of the US's decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion.

More than half of adults in the US are not receiving treatment when they experience a mental illness.

If we are struggling with our mental health, it’s difficult to show up and fight for our rights. Yet by lifting up the voices of all Americans, we can collectively take on this battle. 

Carbon emissions are causing widespread and potentially irreversible damage to the environment  —  and also have a significant impact on the economy.  

While some people rationalize our failure to decrease emissions by keeping that the actions needed to do so would hurt the economy, the costs of doing nothing are even higher and are increasing with every day of inaction.  

Make sure your grad is ready to make their voice heard as they step into the world with these VOTE411 postcards!

The recently leaked US Supreme Court draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization threatens to overturn the constitutional protection of abortion. If this decision is published, reproductive rights are predicted to largely become a state legislative issue. 

On June 25, the League's CEO Virginia Kase Solomón joined Black Women Leaders and Allies and the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation for their Voting Rights and Reproductive Justice call to action. Her remarks, and a full stream of the event, can be found here.