Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

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. The amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and was designed to eliminate discrimination based on gender, ensuring that men and women would have equal rights under the law. The ERA gained significant traction during the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly with the support of organizations advocating for women's rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ERA was passed by Congress in 1972 but failed to be ratified by the necessary number of states before the extended deadline of 1982.
2. Supporters of the ERA argue that it is essential for ensuring women have equal protection under the law and can challenge gender-based discrimination effectively.
3. Opposition to the ERA included concerns that it would undermine traditional family structures and could lead to unintended legal consequences regarding gender-specific laws.
4. The ERA has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years, with several states ratifying the amendment long after the original deadline, prompting debates about its current validity.
5. Organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) played a critical role in mobilizing support for the ERA during its initial campaign and continue to advocate for its ratification today.

Review Questions

• How did the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s influence public support for the Equal Rights Amendment?
  • The feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s significantly increased public awareness of gender discrimination and rallied support for the Equal Rights Amendment. Activists organized campaigns, protests, and educational initiatives that highlighted inequality in various sectors such as employment, education, and reproductive rights. This mobilization led to a broader understanding of women's rights as human rights, creating a supportive environment for the passage of the ERA in Congress.
• What were some of the primary arguments made by both supporters and opponents of the Equal Rights Amendment during its campaign?
  • Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment argued that it was essential to provide equal protection under the law for women, allowing them to challenge discrimination effectively. They emphasized that without constitutional backing, women's rights would remain vulnerable to state laws. Conversely, opponents claimed that the ERA could dismantle traditional family structures and lead to unwanted legal ramifications, including removing protections that women had under existing laws. This clash of views fueled intense debates about gender roles and legal rights.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Equal Rights Amendment on contemporary gender equality movements and ongoing discussions about women's rights.
  • The long-term impact of the Equal Rights Amendment on contemporary gender equality movements is profound, as it has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in America. Even though it has not been ratified, discussions surrounding the ERA continue to shape debates about gender equality, influencing legislative efforts and social movements aimed at closing the gender gap. The renewed interest in ratifying the ERA has sparked conversations about constitutional protections against discrimination, highlighting that despite advances, inequalities persist. This has reinvigorated advocacy efforts among younger generations who are calling for comprehensive legal reforms to ensure true equality.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement that seeks to achieve equality for women in all aspects of society, advocating for women's rights and addressing issues such as gender discrimination.

Title IX:

A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on various issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and the need for legal protections against discrimination.