This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of Alice Paul introducing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) at the Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY. And the fight is not over!
The ERA will update the US Constitution to protect the equality of rights under the law regardless of sex, but while it has met all ratification requirements, the ERA has not yet been published in the Constitution.
Tell your elected officials that equality belongs in the Constitution.
The problem of sex discrimination is clear in our ongoing fights against unequal pay, workplace harassment, pregnancy discrimination, domestic violence, and limited access to comprehensive health care. It is not enough to treat the symptoms of inequality; we must address its root cause.
One year after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion, we saw the devastating consequences of our fundamental rights not being protected. The ERA would prevent the rollback of equal rights, provide a vital tool to the judicial branch to combat discrimination, and pave the way for additional legislative progress.
The good news is that a congressional resolution affirming the validity of the ERA as part of the Constitution. At the end of April, the Senate voted on this resolution, which received support from a bipartisan majority but fell short of the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster. The Senate can reconsider the resolution, and the House can bring it to the floor, but we need your help to show Congress our support.
One hundred years is far too long to wait for equality. Take one minute to urge Congress to support the Equal Rights Amendment now!
In this toolkit, you will find resources and tools for Leagues to use in our nationwide push for ERA inclusion in the Constitution. If you have any questions, please contact rgoldman@lwv.org.