Removing the Deadline for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (H.J.Res. 17)
Bill Summary
This joint resolution eliminates the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. The amendment was proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. The amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
Sponsor: Rep. Jackie Speier (Democrat, California, District 14)
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Opponents say
• "The ERA would actually erode the rights of women recognized in state and federal law. By stating that ‘the equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridge… on account of sex,’ the amendment would supersede, and effectively eliminate, statutes designated to protect women. Think of the many legal frameworks in place that recognize the unique roles of men and women, from Title IX - which has extended opportunities in sports to millions of women - to state child support and alimony laws. The ERA could place all of them at risk. The amendment could also jeopardize the Social Security benefits received by surviving dependent spouses, most of them women."
Source:Mercedes Schlapp and Mary Vought (USA Today)
• "Everyone knows this renewed effort isn’t about women’s rights. It’s about eliminating federal and state protections and ushering in an era of taxpayer funding of abortion." Source:Rep. Steve Scalise (Republican, Louisiana, District 1)
• "Everyone knows this renewed effort isn’t about women’s rights. It’s about eliminating federal and state protections and ushering in an era of taxpayer funding of abortion." Source:Rep. Steve Scalise (Republican, Louisiana, District 1)
Proponents say
• "Since our country’s founding, women have been left out of the Constitution - intentionally. WE were second-class citizens deprived of basic rights to vote, enter most jobs, or own property. To this day, we are paid less for our work, violated with impunity, and disproportionately suffer the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enough is enough."
Source:Rep. Jackie Speier (Democrat, California, District 14)
• "There should be no limit on equality. Even as we celebrate America’s first female Vice President, our nation is held back as the only modern constitution that fails to enshrine full equality for both men and women. This is unacceptable." Source:Rep. Ben Cardin (Democrat, Maryland)
• "There should be no limit on equality. Even as we celebrate America’s first female Vice President, our nation is held back as the only modern constitution that fails to enshrine full equality for both men and women. This is unacceptable." Source:Rep. Ben Cardin (Democrat, Maryland)
- Speier, Reed, Cardin, and Murkowski Reintroduce Resolution to Remove Deadline for Ratification of the ERA (Press Release)
- It’s Too Late to Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and it Would be Harmful to Women (USA Today)
- Congress Revives Push for Equal Rights Amendment (The Wall Street Journal)
- Biden Taking Hands-Off Approach to Justice Department Barrier on Equal Rights Amendment, White House Says (Detroit Free Press)
- How the Debate Over the ERA Became a Fight Over Abortion (Politico)
