TLDR:
The ERA is the Equal Rights Amendment. It was originally written in 1923 by a badass woman named Alice Paul. It finally passed congress and was sent to the states for ratification in 1973. This proposed amendment to the US Constitution would provide equal constitutional rights for all citizens, regardless of sex. As of January 15th 2020, the Equal Rights Amendment has been ratified by the 38 required states. According to Section 3 of the amendment, 2 years after ratification, it should have gone into effect and been published by the National Archivist, in January of this year (2022).
Why the Equal Rights Amendment?
Women still don't have equal status under the US Constitution. This is because it was written in accordance with English Common Law and Couverture Law, in the late 1700’s. In essence, American women are legally only ‘people’ when specific permissions are granted to them by state or federal legislation. This obviously doesn’t guarantee protection because depending upon who has political control dictates what temporary “rights” we do or do not have. Constitutionally, however, women are prevented from acting as free human beings, like their male counterparts. Both men and women experience sex-based discrimination, throughout our society. The Equal Rights Amendment will provide a constitutional foundation from which these issues can be more fairly addressed through legislative channels.
What about the 19th Amendment?
The 19th Amendment reads: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” As a result, women have been allowed to vote since 1920, but the 19th Amendment gave women no other rights aside from that of suffrage.
Why do some oppose the ERA?
In short, sexism. Unfortunately, there's a minority of people, in powerful positions, who want to continue to restrict the long overdue freedom and equality of women. As a result, they object and obstruct the ratification and adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment. They don't feel that women are worthy of full US citizenship and they don't agree that men and women should receive equal treatment under the Constitution.
How do we get it published?
We must demand that Joe Biden issue an executive order (like this draft) permitting publication of the 28th Amendment, by the National Archivist. The gloves are off. We must not take no for an answer. If you can’t be in the streets? Help by donating to organizations supporting those who are. Call the White House - Relentlessly. Blow up every White House phone, Presidential, and personal Social Media profile belonging to Biden that exists, with demands for ERA publication. Educate your friends and family - encourage them to do the same. Write op-eds, post on social media, contact the press. If folks try to argue that it took too long? You remind them that the 27th Amendment took 203 years to be ratified and published.
The only reason it isn’t published is because once it is, the major political parties don’t have Women’s Rights to campaign on anymore. Women’s autonomy is no longer up for debate. We will no longer be held hostage by politicians as votes and fundraising tools. We will be people - equal under the Constitution - equal under the law - and permanently protected from sex discrimination from our governments.
If they do not heed our demands, groups like Jane’s Revenge will just be the beginning, not the end. Women and girls of today are not the feminists of old. Blood in the streets should not be necessary to achieve something as simple as equality for women.
Follow the link ahead for a productive use of your rage here!