University of Virginia Library

Religious Sentiments

If appeals to feminine
sentiments weren't enough,
Presbyterian minister Paul
Doepke put the opponents of
ERA on God's side. "A truly
Christian woman could care
less about equality. She is her
husband's helpmate. He is her
pride and joy.

"To be in favor of ERA is
to reject God," he proclaimed.

Throughout the
emotion-charged testimony
most of the all-male committee
listened straight-faced,
although several had smirks on
their faces. At one point Del.
A.L. Phlipott gof Bassett even
remarked "Why don't these
ladies get up and let the
gentlemen sit down?"

Today the House Privileges
and Elections committee will
meet to take action on H.B.
181. The legislators seem
determined to defeat the
proposal. Only one committee
member, Carrington Williams,
has since expressed his support
for the amendment. Another,
D. French Slaughter, refused to
commit himself, but indicated
that the amendment could be
depriving women of rights such
as child support laws and
protective legislation. Mr.
Phlipott would say only that
he was opposed and would give
no reason.