WYOMING — Governor Mark Gordon proclaimed Dec. 10 as Wyoming Day, recognizing women’s place in leadership.
The proclamation commemorates the 155th anniversary of the passage of the first law in the U.S. guaranteeing women unconditional suffrage — the right to vote and hold public office.
“I invite my fellow Wyomingites to participate in this observance by engaging in appropriate activities: learning about Wyoming’s unique history, exploring the natural wonders of the Cowboy State and experiencing the spirit of the West,” the Governor wrote in the proclamation. “We are all extremely proud of this aspect of Wyoming’s history and Wyoming’s leadership in recognizing women always had the right to vote.”
According to the Governor’s proclamation, Territorial Governor John A. Campbell signed the bill known as the Women’s Suffrage Act into law in 1869. Wyoming’s law was passed more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. In 1935, the Wyoming Legislature passed a bill recognizing Dec.10 as Wyoming Day to commemorate the passage of the Act.
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