Federal Legislation	June 26, 2002

UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) — A United Nations Treaty

Action Requested:

At this time, we urge all HSLDA members to contact the majority leader of the Senate, Tom Daschle of South Dakota, and the Senate minority leader, Trent Lott of Mississippi, and tell them that CEDAW should not be considered for ratification. We also urge everyone to call their Senators and urge them not to ratify CEDAW. Our sources on Capitol Hill tell us that many Senators are on the fence about CEDAW. We need to convince them how dangerous this treaty really is.

To contact Senator Daschle, Lott and your Senators, you may access their number at www.hslda.org/toolbox, or contact the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121.

Background:

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was signed by the Carter Administration in 1980. It is a dangerous treaty mainly because it grants the United Nations power over United States domestic policy. This Convention attempts to break down natural jurisdictional distinctions between the individual, the family and the state. If approved, this treaty would allow the UN to define the meaning of discrimination. Having women at home as unpaid home schooling moms could be considered as discriminatory.

CEDAW Language

HSLDA's Position:

This treaty wrongly advances the government into the most private of family and education decisions. HSLDA opposes CEDAW for numerous reasons, including the following. For more detailed information from HSLDA, see Other resources. 1) Home and private schools would be required to eliminate UN-perceived stereotyping of women in both textbooks and practices; and 2) Unelected international bureaucrats, not elected American officials, would decide issues of family policy. Many HSLDA members would also be concerned to know that: 1) Abortion could be protected by this treaty; 2) Women could not be prohibited from serving in combat; and 3) Churches could be forced to have women pastors and elders.

Other Resources

Keeping an Eye on CEDAW 9/12/2002

Update--Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes CEDAW 7/30/2002

Urgent Action Alert--Virginians Must Call Senator Allen Today! 7/29/2002

National Action Alert--CEDAW Vote Postponed Again 7/26/2002

Review to 'delay' women's treaty (Washington Times) 7/26/2002

United Nations information on CEDAW

House Resolution 18 in support of CEDAW. (pdf)

Action Alert--Update on CEDAW Hearing and Press Conference 7/23/2002

Action Alert--New Committee Vote on U.N. Women's Treaty Scheduled 7/23/2002

CEDAW Vote Postponed7/19/2002

Urgent CEDAW Update 7/18/2002

National Action Alert--Committee Vote on U.N. Women's Treaty 7/17/2002

Committee Vote on U.N. Women's Treaty 7/17/2002

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Examines CEDAW 7/2/2002

Heritage Foundation Examines UN Convention Committees5/8/2001

HOME SCHOOL FREEDOM REPORT - UNITED NATIONS ACTIVITY YEAR 200010/12/2000

HSLDA Legislative Hotline-September 15, 2000 9/15/2000