This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
During the 42-year debate over "redefining" voting power to give women the vote, many argued:
• A majority of Americans don't want women to vote.
• Voting has always been one MAN/one VOTE. Even predating our nation, history shows us that men have always led. It's not the proper role of women to make these decisions.
• The Declaration of Independence says "All MEN are created equal," not all men AND women. The Founding Fathers were clear on this.
• If we let women vote, what next? Little kids voting? My dog voting? My goat voting? My washing machine voting? Where does it end?
• Equal rights for women is a "novel" concept in all of world history.
• Yes we changed voting rights in 1869 when we extended voting to blacks, but we didn't redefine voting. It's always been one man/one vote. And black men don't appreciate women trying to usurp their fight for equality.
• God commanded that "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet." — 1 Timothy 2:12. Allowing women to vote would be an affront to God.
Were these valid arguments?
Grant Larimer
Salt Lake City