Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aims to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The ERA seeks to eliminate discrimination based on gender and has been a significant topic in discussions around civil rights and social justice, influencing both historical amendments and contemporary proposals for equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1923 and was passed by Congress in 1972, but it has yet to be ratified by the required number of states.
2. The ERA 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.'
3. Supporters of the ERA argue that it is essential for ensuring legal protection against gender discrimination, while opponents fear it could undermine certain laws that protect women.
4. As of 2021, the ERA has been ratified by 38 states, meeting the constitutional requirement for ratification, but ongoing legal and political debates continue regarding its validity.
5. The ERA has played a pivotal role in galvanizing modern feminist movements and discussions surrounding gender equality in the U.S.

Review Questions

• How does the Equal Rights Amendment relate to the broader goals of gender equality in the United States?
  • The Equal Rights Amendment directly supports the goals of gender equality by explicitly stating that rights cannot be denied based on sex. This legal guarantee would reinforce existing laws aimed at promoting equal treatment and could help dismantle systemic discrimination against women. The amendment represents a critical step toward achieving full equality under the law, making it a vital aspect of the ongoing fight for women's rights.
• Evaluate the historical significance of the Equal Rights Amendment in relation to other civil rights legislation passed in the 20th century.
  • The Equal Rights Amendment holds historical significance as it emerged during a period marked by numerous civil rights advancements, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX. These legislative measures aimed to combat discrimination based on race and sex, respectively. By advocating for constitutional guarantees of gender equality, the ERA aligned with these movements, pushing the boundaries of civil rights further into the realm of gender issues, thereby influencing public discourse and legislative agendas.
• Assess the impact that modern social justice movements have had on the push for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in contemporary politics.
  • Modern social justice movements, particularly those focusing on gender equality, have significantly revitalized efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. These movements have raised awareness about gender discrimination and its pervasive effects on society. Activists have mobilized public support through campaigns and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of having explicit constitutional protections for women's rights. This resurgence has led to renewed political dialogue about gender equality and has prompted some states to reconsider their stances on ratification, showing how contemporary activism can shape legislative outcomes.

Related terms

Gender Equality: The state of equal access to rights and opportunities regardless of gender, encompassing economic participation, decision-making, and personal freedom.

Title IX:

A federal law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program receiving federal funding.

Civil Rights Movement: A decades-long movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for all Americans, which also intersected with gender equality issues.