About

The amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and seeks to eliminate any legal distinctions based on gender. It states that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. " Supporters argue that the ERA is necessary to ensure that women are afforded the same legal protections and opportunities as men. They believe that existing laws addressing gender discrimination are inadequate and that a constitutional amendment is needed to provide lasting and enforceable protections. Opponents of the ERA, on the other hand, argue that it would have unintended consequences and undermine certain traditional gender roles. They fear that the amendment could lead to the elimination of laws that offer special protections or benefits to women, such as maternity leave or programs aimed at reducing domestic violence. Since its introduction, the ERA has been the subject of intense debate and has faced numerous obstacles in the ratification process. It was initially ratified by only 35 states out of the required 38 and faced a deadline for ratification that ultimately expired in 1982. However, efforts to pass the ERA have continued, and several states have recently taken steps to officially ratify the amendment. The Equal Rights Amendment remains a source of contention, with ongoing debates surrounding its necessity, potential consequences, and viability of ratification. Its Wikipedia page provides a detailed overview of the history, arguments, and legal developments related to the ERA.