Why We’re Still Fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment
October 09, 2024
Strengthening Our Economy Through the Equal Rights Amendment & Equality for All
News
April 17, 2023
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has been a topic of debate for decades. The amendment was first introduced in 1923 and seeks to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. Despite the continued push for the amendment it has yet to be published in the U.S. Constitution, despite reaching the required number of states for ratification. Some people doubt the necessity of the ERA in 2023 and worry that it may strip away rights. However, the truth is that the ERA is beneficial for all people and will help to advance our economy.
One of the primary benefits of the ERA is that it will provide legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sex. This means that both men and women will be guaranteed equal rights under the law, including in the workplace. For example, currently, women in the U.S. still earn less than men for doing the same job. This is a form of sex discrimination that the ERA would help to eliminate. By ensuring equal pay for equal work, the ERA would help to boost the economy by increasing the spending power of women and the families they support (and don't we want everyone contributing to the growth of the economy?).
Promoting gender equality in all areas of life
Another benefit of the ERA is that it would help to promote gender equality in all areas of life. This includes not just the workplace, but also in areas like education and healthcare. By guaranteeing equal rights, the ERA would help to create a society in which all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sex. This would help to promote a more inclusive and equitable society that benefits everyone.
Here are some examples of how the ERA would promote equality for all:
- Education: The ERA would help to eliminate sex discrimination in education, which can have a significant impact on a person's future opportunities. By backing up existing legislation like Title IX and ensuring that everyone has equal access to educational resources and opportunities, the ERA would help to promote greater gender equality in education.
- Healthcare: Women, especially women of color, often face discrimination in healthcare, including when it comes to reproductive health. The ERA would help to ensure that women have equal access to healthcare services and are not discriminated against by employers for being pregnant or having the potential to become pregnant.
- Violence Against Women: The ERA would help to protect women and LGBTQ+ people from violence and sexual assault. It would also help to ensure access to legal recourse when they are victims of gender-based violence.
- Family and Parenting: The ERA would help to eliminate gender stereotypes that can limit both men and women in their roles as parents and caregivers. By promoting greater gender equality in family and parenting roles, the ERA would help to create a more equitable society for all.
- Social and Cultural Attitudes: The ERA would challenge social and cultural attitudes that limit the roles and opportunities available to women. By ensuring that everyone has equal rights under the law, the ERA would help to promote a shift in societal attitudes towards greater gender equality.
The focusing of public attention on the gross legal, economic, and social discrimination against women by hearings and debates in the Federal and State legislatures would result in changes in attitude of parents, educators, and employers that would bring about substantial economic changes in the long run.
- Shirley Chisholm, “FOR THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT” (10 AUGUST 1970)
Will the ERA strip away my current rights?
Some people worry that the ERA may strip away certain rights, but this is simply not true. The amendment does not take away any rights from any individual or group. Rather, it seeks to ensure that all people are guaranteed equal treatment under the law. By doing so, the ERA will help to create a society that is fair and just for everyone.
Moreover, the ERA is also beneficial for our economy. According to a report by the National Women’s Law Center, closing the gender wage gap would add billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. When women earn more money, they have more spending power, which can help to boost local businesses and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, promoting gender equality in the workplace can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and productivity.
The Equal Rights Amendment is a vital piece of legislation that will help to advance gender equality in all areas of life. It is not about taking away anyone’s rights, but rather about ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect. By promoting sex equality, the ERA will help to create a society that is fair and just for everyone. Additionally, it will benefit our economy by closing the gender wage gap and promoting greater innovation and productivity. It’s time to publish the ERA and create a better future for all people.
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Watch our ERA 101 town hall discussion below, or check out these resources for a little more info:
- Joint resolution text to affirm the validity of the ERA and remove the time limit: SJ Res 4 and HJ Res 25
- A brief history of the Equal Rights Amendment (YouTube)
- The Equal Rights Amendment: past, present, and future (YouTube)
- The ERA now (YouTube)
