The 1970 congressional campaign slogan, "This woman's place is in the House—the House of Representatives," defined Bella Abzug’s entry into federal politics. Born in New York City in 1920, she spent decades navigating restrictive societal norms as a lawyer, social activist, and dedicated jurist before securing a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1971.
Early Defiance and Legal Career
Raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, Abzug challenged traditional religious limitations as a teenager by reciting the Kaddish for her father, despite synagogue prohibitions against women performing the rite. She graduated from Walton High School and Hunter College, later earning a law degree from Columbia University in 1944. Admitted to the New York Bar in 1945, she joined the firm of Pressman, Witt & Cammer. Her early legal work focused on labor rights, tenants' rights, and civil liberties, including the defense of Willie McGee in Mississippi.
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Serving in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977, Abzug became a prominent advocate for equality. She introduced the Equality Act of 1974 with Ed Koch and sponsored the Equality Credit Opportunity Act, which banned credit discrimination based on sex, race, or religion. Her influence grew through her role as chair of the Subcommittee on Government Information and Individual Rights, where she presided over hearings regarding government secrecy.
Activism and Advocacy
Beyond her legislative work, Abzug was a founding figure in the National Women's Political Caucus and a vocal participant in Women Strike for Peace. She maintained a strong focus on international issues, including her challenge to the United Nations resolution equating Zionism with racism and her 1975 mission to Saigon to assess the Vietnam War. Her commitment to equity led her to chair President Jimmy Carter’s National Advisory Commission for Women.
Fast facts
- Born: 1920, New York City
- Died: 1998, New York City
- Education: Hunter College, Columbia Law School
- Served in Congress: 1971-1977
- National Women's Hall of Fame: 1994
- Religion: Judaism
- Burial site: Mount Carmel Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Abzug's hat?
Her colorful hats were a signature of her public image. Although she was often required to remove them on the House floor, she frequently noted that the true value of her work lay beneath the hat.
What were her key legislative contributions?
Abzug is noted for introducing the first federal gay rights bill in 1974 and sponsoring the Equality Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibited discrimination in credit transactions.
Achievements
- National Women's Hall of Fame — 1994
- Educated at Hunter College, Columbia Law School and City University of New York
- Worked as politician, social activist and lawyer
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