Dear Mr. XXXXXXThank you for contacting me regarding the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The CEDAW treaty calls for the equal treatment of women throughout the world, a goal I support and which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
A number of United States Senators have raised quite serious concerns with the CEDAW treaty, which is why it has not come before the full Senate for raticication. These reservations include:
(1) The treaty may make it mandatory that women be assigned to all military units and positions, including those which involve direct combat. That is contrary to current U.S. policy, a policy that I support, which provides ample opportunities for women in our armed forces but restricts participation in direct combat units. This policy is overwhelmingly supported by our female U.S. forces, too.
(2) The treaty may affect private sector decisions on how much individual workers get paid. I believe those dicisions are better made by employers and employees, and not by law or treaty.
(3) The treaty may undermine other U.S. laws regarding employment and labor practices. Since U.S. law is made by the elected representatives of the American people, I would want to ensure that no international treaty could change our laws.
Should CEDAW come before the Senate in the 107th Congress, I would want to ensure these concerns and others are resolved before it passed and had the effect of United States law.
I appreciate knowing of your interest in this treaty. Please do not hesitate to contact me again on this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Kay bailey Hutchinsom
You may contact KBH at her website KAY BAILEY HUTCHINSON and express your thoughts to her.
Bump this around.
Bold in KBH text is mine.