Celebrating 50+ Years of Advancing Justice

Sine Die!

Happy Sine Die to us all!

Today, we celebrate our hard work and dedication over the past 90 days in advocating for the safety, security, and autonomy of Maryland women. We have tirelessly worked with our partners on important issues such as the Equal Rights Amendment, defining consent, sextortion, deep fake porn, re-entry programs, child custody determinations, trans health, abortion access, and much more. Though one person's actions may seem insignificant, our collective efforts can lead to real change. I want to express my gratitude for your support, advocacy, and action- together, our voices make a difference.

Consent Defined in Maryland

Criminal Law- Sexual Crimes- Consent and Second-Degree Rape

Maryland Rape Law now defines consent as a clear and voluntary agreement to engage in intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.

The existence of consent, lack of consent, or withdrawal of consent shall be determined based on a totality of the circumstances, including the words and conduct of the victim and the defendant. Submission due to fear, threat, or coercion does NOT constitute consent.

Publish the ERA Without Delay

SJ1- Affirming the Federal Equal Rights Amendment

SJ1 successfully passed both the Maryland House and Senate, next stop- Governor Moore's desk!

SJ1 urges the Administration of President Biden to publish, without delay, the federal Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and for the U.S. Congress to pass a joint resolution affirming the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment.

Stay tuned for the MDGA24

Legislative Wrap up!

Onward together,

Katie Curran O'Malley

Executive Director

P.S. As always, if you appreciate the work we do, whether in the General Assembly or through our direct legal services across the State, give here! And if this email was forwarded to you by a friend, make sure to sign up for our legislative alerts here. Want to stay in touch and receive general, non-legislative updates? Sign up here for our general interest updates.

P.P.S. Get your tickets for the WLC’s Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony on May 7th at 6pm at Citron!

Have an event you'd like to share with us? Send us an email!

About The Women's Law Center of Maryland

The vision of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland is a legal system that provides justice and fairness for women. The Women’s Law Center’s mission is to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the State. We work towards this goal by providing direct legal representation, information and referral services, and legislative advocacy.

Our efforts to promote justice, fairness, and equality for women are only possible because of friends like you.

Give Today

The Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc. is a charitable organization designated as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). A copy of our financial statement is available upon request. Documents and information submitted under the State of Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland, Annapolis, MD 21401 for the cost of copying and postage.