Action Quote by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
“As women are taking an active part in pressing on the consideration of Congress many narrow sectarian measures, such as more rigid Sunday laws, the stopping of travel, the distribution of the mail on that day, and the introduction of the name of God into the Constitution; and as this action on the part of some women is used as an argument for the disfranchisement of all, I hope this convention will declare that the Woman Suffrage Association is opposed to all union of Church and State, and pledges itself as far as possible to maintain the secular nature of our Government.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Women's Rights Convention, 1869, New York
Stanton argues that women support secular government and oppose intertwining religion with law, urging protection of church‑state separation.
In simple terms: Women want government free from religious control.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for secular policies.
Themes
women's rights
secularism
church‑state separation
political activism
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
political
advocational
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- public policy formation
- advocacy campaigns
Key Concepts
feminism
civil liberties
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can secularism be defended without alienating believers?
- What role should women play in shaping church‑state policy?
A Different Perspective
Opposition may face entrenched religious interests.
