Reviving the ERA: Why Equal Rights for Women Must Finally Become Law

Diverse group showing support for Equal Rights Amendment ratification.

The Push for the Equal Rights Amendment

On March 10, 2026, a rally at City Hall Park brought together a host of city council members in New York to urge the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as part of the U.S. Constitution. Council Member Virginia Maloney of District 4 led the charge, accompanied by her mother, former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and other women leaders. This gathering coincided with International Women’s Month, spotlighting the need for constitutional guarantees of equality for all genders.

Historical Background of the ERA

The ERA aims to explicitly guarantee equal rights regardless of sex. Proposed in the 1920s and initially gaining momentum in the 1970s, it passed Congress in 1972 but fell short of the requirement of ratification by 38 states by the 1982 deadline. Despite being ratified by 38 states as of 2020, the National Archives has declared that the amendment cannot be enshrined due to the missed deadline, resulting in ongoing legal disputes.

The Current Landscape of Women’s Rights

As advocates assert the importance of the ERA, the political landscape surrounding women's rights continues to evolve. Following the #MeToo movement and heightened awareness of gender inequality issues, momentum appears to be building once again. In 2024, New York State incorporated protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity into its state constitution, reflecting a broader trend towards securing women's rights.

Understanding the Legal Challenges

Legal scholars and practitioners are divided on the implications of the legal disputes surrounding the ERA. Some argue that once ratified by the requisite number of states, no state has the authority to rescind its ratification, while others contend that the ambiguities of the Constitution regarding amendment processes leave the matter unresolved. This ongoing disagreement suggests that legal advocacy will play a crucial role in determining the ERA's future.

The Importance of Awareness and Involvement

During the rally, Council Member Maloney posed critical questions to the audience, emphasizing the contradiction of women lacking constitutional equality in a nation that prides itself on democratic ideals. Her inquiry, “How can we call ourselves a forward-thinking democracy if equality is still not guaranteed in our Constitution?” urges citizens, particularly those in professions like law and accounting, to actively engage in advocacy and policy discussions. The time to act for women’s rights is indeed 'now.'

National News

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Reviving the ERA: Why Equal Rights for Women Must Finally Become Law

The Push for the Equal Rights Amendment

Historical Background of the ERA

The Current Landscape of Women’s Rights

Understanding the Legal Challenges

The Importance of Awareness and Involvement

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