Equal Rights Amendment

Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that seeks to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of their sex. The amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and has been reintroduced several times since then. Despite widespread support, the ERA has yet to be ratified and become part of the Constitution.

Background

The ERA was initially drafted by suffragist Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman, and it was first introduced to Congress in 1923. The amendment states: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." The goal of the ERA is to ensure that women and men have equal legal rights and protections.

History

The ERA gained significant momentum during the women's rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It was passed by Congress in 1972 and sent to the states for ratification. However, the amendment fell short of the required number of states needed for ratification by the deadline in 1982.

Since then, efforts to revive the ERA have continued. Some states have ratified the amendment in recent years, bringing the total number of ratifications to 38, the minimum required for an amendment to be added to the Constitution. However, legal debates persist over the validity of these late ratifications and the expired deadline.

Controversies

The ERA has faced opposition from various groups and individuals who argue that it could have unintended consequences. Critics claim that the ERA could undermine traditional gender roles, impact family law, and potentially lead to the elimination of certain legal protections for women. Others argue that the ERA is unnecessary, as existing laws already provide equal rights for both sexes.

Current Status

Efforts to revive the ERA continue to this day. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment, meeting the minimum requirement for ratification. However, legal challenges and debates over the expired deadline have created uncertainty regarding the amendment's future.

Impact

If ratified, the ERA would have significant implications for gender equality in the United States. It would provide a constitutional basis for challenging gender-based discrimination and would require the government to treat men and women equally under the law. Proponents argue that the ERA is necessary to ensure equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of their sex.

See Also

• Women's Rights Movement
• Feminism
• Gender Equality

External Links

• Equal Rights Amendment Official Website
• Full Text of the ERA Bill