By: Jessica Turner
Date: Feb. 3, 2017
In today’s world, we often celebrate the progress made toward gender equality, yet North Dakota seems to be caught in a time warp. Recently, the North Dakota House of Representatives voted against repealing the state’s “Blue Law,” which prohibits businesses from opening before noon on Sundays. While the narrow margin of the vote may have raised eyebrows, it’s the rationale provided by some lawmakers that truly incites frustration.
Take Representative Mark Johnson, for instance. He reflected a bygone era with his suggestions on how families should spend their Sunday mornings. “I think it’s important for families to bond—wives should prepare breakfast for their husbands and then take the kids out for a walk,” he stated. Yes, you read that correctly; the expectation is that women should cater to their husbands while managing the children. It’s a perspective that feels straight out of the 1950s.
As if that weren’t enough, Representative Tom Stevens added his two cents, expressing concern that if women have too much free time, they might spend their husbands’ earnings too quickly. “I can’t say it hurts to have a half day off,” he remarked, seemingly oblivious to the outdated implications of his words.
Local citizens have mixed feelings about these comments and the lawmakers’ outdated viewpoints. One Fargo resident, Laura Mitchell, shared her frustration: “Hearing those remarks is disheartening, especially knowing they represent us. It’s upsetting to see such archaic thinking still alive today.” On the other hand, some, like community member Sarah Thompson, believe it’s a personal choice. “If that’s how they want to live, that’s on them,” she stated.
However, such a stance overlooks the pernicious implications of allowing personal biases to influence legislation. When pressed about the comments, Representative Johnson dismissed criticism, claiming his remarks were meant to be humorous, which only adds to the absurdity. Jokes can be funny, but there’s a time and a place, and the House floor isn’t it.
Despite the lack of progress, North Dakota women might consider making the most of their Sundays—perhaps indulging in a little online shopping or enjoying a refreshing pitcher of mimosas instead of catering to outdated expectations. If you want to explore more about modern insemination methods, check out this informative post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers reliable options to help you on your journey. For further insights on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC’s resource is worth a visit.
In summary, the decision to maintain the Blue Law in North Dakota reflects an outdated mindset that deserves to be challenged. Women should not be expected to perpetuate archaic gender roles, especially when they have the opportunity to embrace their independence.