Would Constitutionally Guarantee Equal Protection under the Law
Madison – State Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) has formally introduced legislation to constitutionally guarantee equal protection under the law for all Wisconsin citizens.
“Every man, woman and child should enjoy the full protection of Wisconsin’s laws, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or the color of their skin,” said Erpenbach. “This amendment reflects the fair-minded values of the people of Wisconsin.”
Under Senate Joint Resolution 2, Section 1, Article I of the Wisconsin Constitution would have the following language added (new language in bold):
[Article I] Section 1. All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights; among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; to secure these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. All persons are guaranteed equal protection of the laws and no law shall discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, or ancestry. The government shall protect and secure these equal rights of the governed.
“We have seen examples of the freedoms and liberties we cherish being eroded,” said Erpenbach. “This amendment will help ensure our civil rights in Wisconsin are always protected.”
Amending the Constitution requires the resolution to pass both houses of the legislature in two consecutive sessions and be approved by a vote of the people. The resolution has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Corrections.
“As we look forward to celebrating the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr., we should also be reminded of the eloquence of his words,” said Erpenbach. “It was Dr. King who wrote, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”
