02/13/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sherry Oeser, 560 Tyler, noted many other cities in the country who had passed such resolutions for boycotting. Included in those were the American Federation of Government Employees, the Inter- national Personnel Management Association, and the Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Planners. She supported the boycott and hoped City Council would do so also. - Margie Hendriksen, 1245 Tyler, Oregon Women's Political Caucus, spoke as a women and as a taxpayer of the City. She did not want the City of Eugene spending her tax money in states where she was not recognized as a full citizen. She noted various inconsis- tencies regarding the adoption of the ERA, in which the State of Illinois had adopted the 3/5 requirement for adoption of this amendment, but which would not apply to other amendments. She noted, also, in Nevada and Florida, there were elected officials who promised to support ERA, but after were elected, opposed it. She felt it very appropriate for Eugene to take this stand, as it is known to be a very progressive city and one concerned for human rights. Those opposing the suggested boycott were as follows: Lorene Henry, 2620 Fillmore, requested Council consider the source of the request, the Women's Commission. She said this commission had been created to help women against discrimination, yet now they were requesting use of discrimination. The proposed boycott would economically affect poor women in states where the boycott would take place. She felt this was the wrong use of politics. Esther Deffenbacher, 4610 Old Dillard Road, felt Eugene should not be involved in the use of force through a boycott and should not be interfering with other people's jobs. She said evidently the ERA amendment is lacking something as it is not strong enough to win on its own merits. She pointed out the economic hardships resulting in loss of jobs in hotels, motels, and restaurants if the boycott were pursued. She noted it could boomerang against the principles they are trying to eliminate. She felt the boycott was a desperate move and the City Council should have no part in it. She expressed her strong feelings for Eugene as a community, and she wanted to continue to be proud of it. Helen Taff, 25292 Perkins Road, Veneta, expressed her opposition, and noted her attendance at a Women's Commission meeting where a request was made that the Women's Commission disapprove the boycott because of the damage it would cause the women's movement, as well as the economic hardship to so many women. That request was re- fused and she felt that was a real reflection of the ruthless attitude of the many advocates of the ERA. She urged Council not to support the economic boycott. e e 2/13/78--8 ~~