Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Better Late Than Never


Ohio to approve equal protection amendment - 135 years late
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state on Tuesday took its first step toward correcting an oversight that left Ohio as the only state that has not ratified the Constitution's 14th
Amendment, which guarantees equal protection of all citizens.

The Senate voted unanimously to pass the amendment, 135 years after most of the country did, and sent the resolution to the House.

The state Legislature passed the amendment on Jan. 11, 1867, but a year later rescinded ratification as "contrary to the best interests of the white race."

The amendment became a law in July 1868 because Congress and three-quarters of the states supported it then. All other states, expect [sic] Ohio, eventually ratified the amendment.