The Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Let's make this its time!

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 Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

• I was not quite 26 when Congress voted in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment, for which women and their allies had fought since at least 1923. The amendment then went to the states for ratification.
• Fifty years later, my oldest granddaughter is now 26 and the ERA has yet to become the law of the land.

It's a long. complicated story, but we could be on the cusp of success.

• Thirty-eight states have ratified the amendment - the required majority. Legal battles over many aspects of ratification continue, but there are substantial glimmers of hope.
• The Biden Administration has called on Congress to pass a resolution recognizing ratification of the ERA.  Whitehouse Statement 
• Congresswomen Carolyn Mahoney, (NY) and Jackie Spier, (CA) have introduced the appropriate legislation in the House - H.Res.891 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the article of amendment (commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment") to the Constitution is valid. The Resolution has 154 cosponsors.
• The Senate must do the same, with the same language. There appears to be some bipartisan support for such a resolution, but it's unclear what the timing will be on introduction and passage in that chamber.
• California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla have both called for such a resolution.  Press Release

• Equal rights for women shouldn't be delayed because of an arbitrary deadline. Now that enough states have ratified the amendment, it's time for the Equal Rights Amendment to go into effect so that women are finally provided equal protection under the Constitution. - Senator Dianne Feinstein

• America has a long and proud history of amending our Constitution to further the progress of equality for all. . "I'm proud to support removing this arbitrary deadline and finally recognizing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. - Senator Padilla  

How can you help?

• Californians should let Senators Feinstein and Padilla know that you appreciate their support for the ERA! Contact Senator Feinstein at 202-224-3841 in Washington DC, or at 310-914-7300 in LA. Contact Senator Padilla at 202-224-3553 in DC, or 310-231-4494 in LA.
• Contact family and friends in California and urge them to do the same.
• Ask family and friends outside the state to contact their Senators and urge them to support the ERA by passing a resolution confirming that the ERA is valid.

Blog date: February 2, 2022

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Becky Newman

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