Press Releases

NOW Endorses Elena Kagan for Supreme Court

Released on July 2, 2010

NOW’s National Board voted unanimously today to endorse Solicitor General Elena Kagan to become the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. The vote took place in Boston the day before the opening of NOW’s 2010 National Conference.

NOW Conference Opens with Feminist Fireworks on the Agenda

Released on July 2, 2010

Today the National Organization for Women opens its 2010 National NOW Conference at a critical time for women’s rights. Hundreds of feminist leaders and activists have gathered in Boston, Mass., to share information, ideas and strategies for addressing the huge challenges before us.

NOW to Closely Monitor Kagan Hearings for Sexism and Signs of Nominee’s Commitment to Equality and Justice for All

Released on June 28, 2010

As the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Supreme Court nominee Solicitor General Elena Kagan open today, the National Organization for Women promises to closely monitor the proceedings. Kagan’s confirmation would make history, as she would be the third woman to currently serve on the court, increasing the composition of women justices to one-third — more than have ever served at the same time.

NOW Congratulates Elaine Marshall on Primary Win in N.C. Senate Primary, Looks Forward to November Victory

Released on June 23, 2010

Last night, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall moved closer to becoming the state’s next U.S. Senator. The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee proudly endorsed Marshall and helped organize strong grassroots support that ultimately helped her win the Democratic primary.

The June 22 runoff between Marshall and Cal Cunningham determined who would face the Republican incumbent, Senator Richard Burr, in the November election. “With this victory, Marshall has proven herself a winning candidate,” said NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “NOW calls upon the national Democratic Party leaders, including President Obama, Tim Kaine and the DNC, and Senator Robert Menendez and the DSCC to rally behind Marshall in order to assure her victory in the fall.”

NOW Applauds President’s Expansion of Benefits to Same-Sex Partners of Federal Workers, Supports Efforts in Congress to Extend Full Range of Benefits

Released on June 4, 2010

On June 2, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum compelling executive departments and agencies to take action immediately to extend a number of benefits to employees with same-sex partners. This memo expanded upon a similar one signed by the president last June that began the process of making available to LGBT federal employees and their families the same benefits offered to opposite-sex couples.

“NOW applauds the president’s efforts to ensure that LGBT employees in the federal government are treated fairly when it comes to family benefits,” said NOW President Terry O’Neill. “The list of rights and benefits denied to same-sex couples is a long one, and it exists because most same-sex couples cannot legally marry in the United States. The ultimate solution, obviously, is to change that. But this incremental step represents vital progress.”