The 1966 founders of the National Organization for Women created several task forces to work on women’s issues, including a legal and political rights task force. Members of NOW’s Task Force on Legal and Political Rights set to work increasing the political awareness and accomplishments of women. The task force chair, Janey Hart, outlined several goals and recommendations in a 1967 statement.
Goals of the Legal and Political Rights Task Force
NOW’s stated purpose was to achieve true equality for women in the U.S. and a full, equal partnership between the sexes. The Task Force on Legal and Political Rights elaborated on this ideal with six goals:
- Equal rights and responsibilities for women as American citizens
- Abolition of organizations that segregate women in the political process
- An increase in women running for office and participating in political party membership
- Increased voter awareness of women’s “unfinished equality”
- Federal civil rights legislation to end sex discrimination in jury selection
- Support for women’s right to equal protection of the law under the U.S. Constitution