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In Cincinnati, Ohio, at its 1989 convention on July 23, NOW delegates questioned the sanctity of the two-party system and broached the idea of forming a third party. The convention issued a " Declaration of Women's Political Independence ." An exploratory commission was formed for the possibilities of expanding the United States Bill of RightsThe Bill of Rights is the name given to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. When the Constitution was submitted to the state legislatures for ratification, many of its opponents claimed that the Constitution did not include a bill to include freedom from sexual discrimination, the right to a decent standard of living, the right to clean air, clean water and environmental protections, the right to be free from violence. The commission was chaired by former NOW president Eleanor Smeal . A month earlier, NOW launched a Commission for Responsive Democracy , which included Smeal, John AndersonJohn Bayard Anderson (born February 15, 1922) was a U. Representative from Illinois and presidential candidate in the 1980 election. Anderson was born in Rockford, Illinois, where he grew up. He then attended University of Illinois at Urbana, but his educ, Toney Anaya , Barry CommonerBarry Commoner (born May 28, 1917) is an American biologist and college professor who ran for President in the 1980 election on the Citizens Party ticket. Commoner was born in Brooklyn. He received his bachelor's degree from Columbia University ( 1937) an and Dee Barry .
The group's original purpose (which Friedman scribbled on a napkin) remains "to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men". The organization remains active in lobbying legislatures and media outlets on women's issues. It also takes action to bring homosexuals "into full participation in the mainstream of American society." This organization is also controversial in the male perspectiveMasculism is considered by some to describe the belief that the male and female genders should be considered complementary and interdependent by necessity. However, such a definition is neither inclusive of all masculists, nor does it exclude many who are.
It claims 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
The National Organization for Women has been subject to criticism from many who claim to represent the male perspectiveMasculism is considered by some to describe the belief that the male and female genders should be considered complementary and interdependent by necessity. However, such a definition is neither inclusive of all masculists, nor does it exclude many who are. Many masculists accused the organization of promoting high rates of divorceDivorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage, which can be contrasted with an annulment which is a declaration that a marriage is void, though the effects of marriage may be recognized in such unions, such as spousal support, child custo, alienation of the genders, disintegrating communities, female chauvinismFemale chauvinism or supremacism is the belief that females are superior to males. It is the opposite of Male chauvinism. A number of men, more likely masculists, believe that feminism has evolved into female chauvinism. They may also believe that because, and fatherless children.