Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and sought to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other rights. The ERA became a significant focus of the women's rights movement, emphasizing the need for constitutional protection against gender discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by Congress in 1972 but has not been ratified by the required number of states to become part of the Constitution.
2. The language of the ERA specifically 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. The ERA gained significant support during the women's rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a rallying point for activists advocating for gender equality.
4. Despite initial momentum, the ratification process faced opposition from various groups who argued it would undermine traditional family structures and women's roles.
5. In recent years, there has been a renewed push for the ERA, with some states voting to ratify it after the original deadline set by Congress.

Review Questions

• What are some key arguments made by supporters and opponents of the Equal Rights Amendment during its introduction and subsequent campaigns?
  • Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment argued that it was essential for ensuring gender equality under the law, addressing systemic discrimination against women. They emphasized that constitutional protection would empower women in various aspects of life, such as employment and family law. Opponents contended that the ERA could disrupt traditional gender roles and negatively impact family structures, arguing that existing laws already provided sufficient protections for women.
• How did the women's rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s influence public perception and political support for the Equal Rights Amendment?
  • The women's rights movement played a crucial role in shaping public perception around the Equal Rights Amendment. Activists organized campaigns, rallies, and lobbying efforts to raise awareness about gender inequality and mobilize support for the ERA. This activism helped to bring issues of gender discrimination into public discourse, leading to increased political backing for the amendment among lawmakers who recognized its significance in advancing women's rights.
• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of the Equal Rights Amendment in today's legal landscape regarding gender equality and civil rights.
  • The Equal Rights Amendment remains relevant as discussions around gender equality and civil rights continue to evolve. Many advocates argue that having a clear constitutional guarantee against sex-based discrimination would strengthen protections for women and enhance legal recourse against discriminatory practices. Despite its failure to be fully ratified, recent movements and legal battles have reignited interest in the ERA, highlighting its potential impact on contemporary issues like wage disparity, reproductive rights, and workplace harassment.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights and equality, aiming to address issues such as gender discrimination and inequality.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits gender-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various areas, including employment and education.