The local chapter of the National Crganization tot Women has prepared a petition to the delegates to the Louisi- ana State Constitutional Convention asking them to include a provision in the new constitution which will prohibit discrimination based on sex in Louisiana. This would be a state Equal Rights Article to protect and enforce in all situations, not just those involving federal jurisdiction. It is in no way intended to preclude efforts to have Louisiana ratify a federal Equal Rights Amendment (twenty—two states have already ratified the ERA; thirty—eight votes are needed before it can become law.) The provision called for by the proposed petition to the state constitu- tional Convention reads as follows: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by or in the State of Louisiana on account of sex. . .“ On Sat., Jan. o, the Baton Rouge and New Orleans chapters of N.O.W. met with representatives from various women's groups and discussed alternatives and plans of coalition action. So that more groups can be contacted and invited to participate and more extensive consideration can be given to the proposal, a second meeting has been scheduled tor Sat , Jan. 20, l:30p.tn., at the Human Relations Institute, e323 st. Charles Avenue (Loyola University). All groups are encouraged to send representatives to this meeting. Information is available by writing N.O.W., P.O, Box |3a(J4, New Orleans, La., 7U|25, or by calling N.O.W. President, Annabelle Walker 866-250l or Clay Latimer 897-0769. The State Constitutional Convention begins its purpose of rewriting the constitution this month and will con- tinue meeting throughout the year. The new constitution must be submitted for ratification by the voters by l975. N.o.w. meetings are held every iourth Tuesday at 7:30 pm. on the 2nd floor of the Red Cross Bldg , the public is invited. 4rir~lr~lr><~kA-vrxgx-*t<~Ak1ti1ttxxtnxvtaeirat Parish Prison, which houses males exclusively, receives its fair share of publicity but little if anything is ever heard of the Women's House of Deten- tion located on the ninth floor of a high rise building across from Parish Prison. Approximately 45 women are kept there on various charges and a wide range of sentences. There are no recreational or rehabilitation services available to the women, and conditions for them are often as bad if not worse than their Parish Prison counterparts. In the past few months, Concept, Inc. which is an inrnote.run organization to deal with prisoners inside Parish Prison as well as-help them upon their release, has attempted to set up classes and a similar program in the Women's House of Detention. Approval and red tape have slowed things down, but the group has finally been given permission to go ahead. Mary Jo Condon is in charge of the program and can be reached at the Concept office 82l—8894 weekdays 9-5. Women are needed to serve as sponsors for inmates and to staff the classes now being planned. Another project to help women prisoners is started by National Organization for Women. They are participating in a half- way house project set up for women who have been inplisan and are now in a work release prograrn. Their activities include taking the women on various types of outings and to tap groups and meetings, furnishing referral and resource services such as employment and medical and child care. For information call N.O.W. president, Annabelle Walker 866—250l, eoiqpeet. The Women's Center of New Orleans moved from its former location at I024 Jackson Avenue in November. In lieu of necessary funds to rent another office, the center is operating temporarily from the Women's Collective at I821 Robert. A library of feminist literature is set up there in the basement and is available to local women evenings. One hundred dollars received from a liquor raffle at Christmas is being used to set up a switch- board number at the collective. For more information call 895-1362 at the collective. ItItXtrxiv9r~trvr*r*9tt1tt~t<~trxr7txrs