Recognizing Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial

Floor Speech

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Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I rise to formally recognize an important event that will be occurring in my home State of Indiana this week.

On Thursday, January 16, the Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission will be hosting a celebration at the Indiana Statehouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indiana ratifying the 19th Amendment. Moreover, the Indiana General Assembly will present a resolution honoring this historic milestone and the Hoosiers who led the way to ensure equal representation for women in their government.

As we celebrate the anniversary, it is important we acknowledge that the record of Hoosiers seeking equal voting rights for women goes back to the 1850s, when Amanda Way, a Winchester native, organized the Indiana Woman's Rights Association and called for its first convention. This act of passionate leadership was just the beginning of a generation-spanning story of determination, sacrifice, and advocacy. Countless women and men followed in Amanda's footsteps and continued to campaign for the betterment of their society and government. Nearly 70 years later, these Hoosiers' tireless efforts led to Indiana becoming the 26th State in the Union to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting States from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.

The centennial of women's suffrage is an opportunity to highlight Indiana's leadership in uniting communities, tearing down barriers to better relationships, and promoting representative governance. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I wish Indiana continued success as it commemorates and recognizes a proud history of supporting equality and constitutional freedom.

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