Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It aims to eliminate discrimination based on gender and ensure that rights under the law are equally applied to both men and women, thus establishing a constitutional standard for gender equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and has been reintroduced several times since then, reflecting ongoing debates about gender equality.
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. The amendment passed Congress in 1972 but failed to achieve ratification by three-fourths of the states within the required time frame, leading to ongoing discussions about its future.
4. Supporters argue that the ERA is necessary to solidify gender equality in the Constitution, while opponents claim it could undermine certain legal protections for women.
5. The ongoing push for the ERA reflects broader societal changes and movements advocating for women's rights and gender equality in various aspects of life.

Review Questions

• What are the key provisions of the Equal Rights Amendment, and how do they aim to address gender inequality?
  • The Equal Rights Amendment aims to provide a clear constitutional guarantee of equal rights under the law for all citizens regardless of sex. Its main provision states that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex, directly addressing issues of gender discrimination. By establishing this standard in the Constitution, proponents believe it would help eliminate existing disparities in legal rights and protections between men and women.
• Discuss the historical context surrounding the introduction and development of the Equal Rights Amendment from its inception to present-day discussions.
  • The Equal Rights Amendment was introduced in 1923 during the women's suffrage movement as part of a broader effort to secure equal legal rights for women. It gained traction in the 1970s when feminist movements highlighted ongoing gender inequalities. Despite passing Congress in 1972, it faced significant opposition and ultimately fell short of state ratifications by its deadline. Recent discussions have reignited interest in the ERA as part of contemporary movements advocating for gender equality and addressing systemic discrimination.
• Evaluate the potential implications of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment for legal standards regarding gender discrimination and societal attitudes towards gender equality.
  • Ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment could fundamentally change legal standards regarding gender discrimination by enshrining explicit protections into the Constitution. This could lead to increased scrutiny of laws and practices that discriminate based on sex, resulting in more equitable treatment across various sectors, including employment, education, and healthcare. Additionally, such a constitutional guarantee might influence societal attitudes by reinforcing the idea that gender equality is a fundamental right, thereby promoting greater awareness and advocacy for women's rights and against gender-based discrimination.

Related terms

Title IX:

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

Women’s Suffrage: The movement aimed at securing the right to vote for women, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Gender Discrimination: The unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender, which can manifest in various social, political, and economic contexts.