Wyoming State Motto

"Equal Rights"
 

Adopted in 1955.

Language: English

Focus: Equal Rights

See Wyoming State Seal

Originally used on the state seal, the motto was adopted in 1955. It refers to the fact that women of Wyoming were granted the right to vote in 1869, long before they were given the national right to vote.

There are three states with mottos that focus on rights:

1. Alabama: "Audemus jura nostra defendere" (We Dare Maintain Our Rights)
2. Nebraska: "Equality Before the Law"
3. Wyoming: "Equal Rights"

Statute

Wyoming Statutes, Title 8, Chapter 3, Section 8-3-101.

Title 8 - General Provisions
CHAPTER 3 - STATE SEAL, FLAG, FLOWER, BIRD AND OTHER SYMBOLS
SECTION 8-3-101.

8-3-101. Great seal of the state of Wyoming.

There shall be a great seal of the state of Wyoming, which shall be of the following design, viz: A circle one and one-half (1 1/2) inches in diameter, on the outer edge or rim of which shall be engraved the words "Great Seal of the State of Wyoming." The design shall conform substantially to the following description: A pedestal, showing on the front thereof an eagle resting upon a shield, the shield to have engraved thereon a star and the figures, "44," being the number of Wyoming in the order of admission to statehood. Standing upon the pedestal shall be a draped figure of a woman, modeled after the statue of the "Victory of the Louvre," from whose wrists shall hang links of a broken chain, and holding in her right hand a staff from the top of which shall float a banner with the words "Equal Rights" thereon, all suggesting the political position of woman in this state. On either side of the pedestal and standing at the base thereof, shall be male figures typifying the livestock and mining industries of Wyoming. Behind the pedestal, and in the background, shall be two (2) pillars, each supporting a lighted lamp, signifying the light of knowledge. Around each pillar shall be a scroll with the following words thereon: On the right of the central figure the words "Livestock" and "Grain," and on the left the words "Mines" and "Oil." At the base of the pedestal, and in front, shall appear the figures "1869-1890," the former date signifying the organization of the territory of Wyoming and the latter the date of its admission to statehood.
 
Wyoming Statutes, Title 8, Chapter 3, Section 8-3-107.

Title 8 - General Provisions
CHAPTER 3 - STATE SEAL, FLAG, FLOWER, BIRD AND OTHER SYMBOLS
SECTION 8-3-107.
8-3-107. State motto.
The motto "Equal Rights," as it exists on the great seal of the state of Wyoming, is the official motto of Wyoming.