Congressman García’s Statement on the Passing of Gloria Steinem

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García issued the following statement on the passing of Gloria Steinem:

"Gloria Steinem was not just a journalist, activist, organizer - she was a force of nature and a change-maker. As a towering icon of the women's movement, she dedicated her life to raise awareness, educate and fight for reproductive rights, equality in the workplace and at home, and to end violence against women.

"Her own experiences facing sexism ignited a lifelong fire to fight on behalf of women. She stood at the forefront of the movement, giving voice and power to a post-war generation trying to find their place in a world dominated by men.

"On a personal level, I am forever humbled and grateful for her support during my 2015 mayoral campaign in Chicago. Gloria believed in our cause, in me, and in the transformation we envisioned for our city.

"At a time when the Trump administration is stripping away fundamental rights and women's bodily autonomy is under siege, as immigrant women face unimaginable cruelty, as working mothers drawn under the cost of childcare and healthcare, and as women's military service to our nation is questioned, the urge to continue Gloria's work has never been more vital.

"We have a moral obligation to protect reproductive rights, provide paid maternity and paternity leave, affordable childcare, equal pay for equal work, and protections against domestic violence. We must do this for Gloria, for our partners and wives, for our sisters, our daughters and granddaughters who deserve a more just world. Rest in power Gloria Steinem."

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