Kullen tapped for women's caucus post

Marriage brokerage targeted

Friday, April 3, 2009

The 59-member group meets regularly during the 90-day General Assembly session to set legislative priorities, take positions on bills impacting women and to promote a wide variety of issues, including child care, women's health and domestic violence.

Kullen, whose term will begin sometime after the end of the legislative session, called the elevation to president — she currently serves as president-elect — an honor given the caucus' significance in the quest for bringing women's issues to the fore at the State House. "It's nice to assume a leadership position with such a historic organization."

Founded in 1972, the Women Legislators of Maryland came into existence as women were beginning to make political gains nationally but still facing roadblocks in male-dominated state capitals. Over the years, the caucus has grown in numbers and successfully advocated legislation to reduce poverty, expand access to affordable health care, strengthen domestic violence laws and pursue equal rights for women.

In the coming year, Kullen said the caucus will look to crack down on the practice of marriage brokerage, which arranges marriage contracts. Critics said the businesses can be a facade for prostitution rings.

Currently, 31 percent of Maryland state lawmakers are women, which ranks ninth in the country.

Outgoing caucus president Del. Karen S. Montgomery (D-Montgomery) said Kullen is more than deserving of the leadership role because of her advocacy for women's issues and the disabilities community during her four-plus years as a delegate.

"Her really dedicated hard work and willingness to work with others and compromise in many areas brought her to the top of the list," she said. Kullen "does not shrink from issues she believes strongly in."

abrody@somdnews.com