equal rights amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is an amendment proposed to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Its primary objective is to end the legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas. Despite its seemingly straightforward goal, the ERA has had a long, contentious history full of political and social drama.
The journey of the ERA began almost a century ago. It was first introduced to Congress in 1923 by Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman, two prominent suffragettes who had fought for women’s right to vote. The language of the ERA was simple but powerful: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
For decades, the ERA languished in legislative purgatory, occasionally gaining attention but never enough momentum to pass. It wasn’t until the second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s that the ERA gained substantial support. The National Organization for Women (NOW) and other feminist groups lobbied vigorously for its passage. In 1972, nearly 50 years after its introduction, the ERA was finally passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.
According to the Constitution, an amendment needs the approval of three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50) to be ratified. The ERA initially seemed to be on a fast track to success; by the end of 1973, 30 states had ratified it. However, a formidable opposition led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly emerged, arguing that the ERA would dismantle traditional gender roles and harm women who chose to be homemakers.
Schlafly’s campaign was highly effective, and the momentum for the ERA stalled. Despite extensions to the ratification deadline, the ERA fell three states short of the required 38 by the extended deadline in 1982. For many, this felt like the end of the ERA, but the story didn’t end there.
In recent years, the ERA has experienced a resurgence. The #MeToo movement and a renewed focus on women’s rights have reignited interest in the amendment. In 2017, Nevada ratified the ERA, followed by Illinois in 2018 and Virginia in 2020. With these ratifications, proponents argue that the ERA has now met the 38-state requirement, albeit decades after the original deadline.
This resurgence has led to new legal and political battles. Opponents argue that the ratification deadline has long passed and that new state ratifications are moot. Proponents, however, contend that the deadline can be extended or removed altogether. The issue is currently entangled in the courts, with various lawsuits and legal opinions attempting to determine the ERA’s fate.
The ERA remains a potent symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the United States. While it has not yet been enshrined in the Constitution, its enduring legacy highlights the persistent efforts to achieve legal equality for all, regardless of sex.
If you want to learn more about the history and current status of the ERA, here’s a YouTube video that provides a comprehensive overview. Enjoy watching!