Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to Billie Jean King for Equal Rights Advocacy
This Act awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Billie Jean King, an American icon, recognizing her life dedicated to championing equal rights in sports and society. While the law does not introduce new legal regulations for citizens, it serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of her historic contribution to the fight for equality, including her instrumental role in the passage of Title IX. The medal honors her courageous leadership and activism that propelled the women's movement forward.
Key points
Authorization of the Congressional Gold Medal for Billie Jean King in recognition of her groundbreaking leadership advancing equal rights for women in athletics, education, and society.
The Act highlights her pivotal role in achieving equal pay in tennis and her influence on the passage of Title IX, which mandates equal funding for men's and women's sports programs in schools.
The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
2024-09-17
For
308
Against
87
Abstain
0
Full voting results
open_in_new
Became Law
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2861
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Process start date: 2023-09-20
Voting date: 2024-09-17
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 419