A resolution recognizing the 85th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

WHEREAS, August 2005 marks the 85th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution which guaranteed the right to vote to American women, a major step toward equality in all aspects of American society; and

WHEREAS, on Women's Equality Day, August 26, 2005, citizens across Davidson County and the country will recognize the hard work and perseverance of those who helped secure women's suffrage in the United States and with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920, American women gained one of the most cherished rights and fundamental responsibilities of citizenship the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters grew out of the women's suffrage movement; and is a non-partisan organization dedicated to public participation in our democracy; and

WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters of Nashville was formed in 1948 by a group of women dedicated to voter services and the improvement of library facilities, child welfare, a better business bureau, and metropolitan government; and

WHEREAS, the League of Women Voters of Nashville continues to provide valuable voter services to the Nashville community; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Women's Political Caucus is a multi-partisan, multi-ethnic organization that promotes full and equal participation of women in government and in the political process; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Women's Political Caucus provides a valuable service to the community by supporting measures that open economic and political opportunities for women; and

WHEREAS, today, American women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields and not only do women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately held firms and are opening at twice the rate of male-owned businesses but through vision, determination, and a strong work ethic, remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves and women around the world; and

WHEREAS, the full participation of women and the protection of their rights as citizens are essential for freedom and democracy to flourish; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes August 26, 2005, as Women's Equality Day and as we look to the future, we come together to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women in America and throughout the world and renew our commitment to equality for all women, both at home and abroad.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the 85th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council hereby commends the League of Women Voters and the Nashville Women's Political Caucus for its many contributions to the Nashville community.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Karen Edwards of the League of Women Voters and Holly Spann, President of the Nashville Women's Political Caucus.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Amanda McClendon, Lynn Williams, Diane Neighbors

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	July 5, 2005
Adopted:	July 5, 2005
Approved:	July 6, 2005
By: