On Friday, President Joe Biden announced that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has officially become a part of the U.S. Constitution, marking a historic moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality. In a statement released by the White House, Biden declared that the amendment, which has been a focal point of advocacy for decades, has now achieved the required 38 state ratifications, making it law.
The ERA, first introduced in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, aims to guarantee equal rights under the law, regardless of gender. Its core purpose is to ensure that men and women are treated equally in all areas of life, particularly in areas where gender-based discrimination has historically been prevalent. Over the years, the amendment has been championed by women’s rights activists who view its passage as a critical step toward achieving full gender equality in the U.S.
President Biden’s statement on Friday emphasizes that, as of 2020, 38 states—three-fourths of the country—have officially ratified the ERA, thereby fulfilling the constitutional requirement for an amendment to be adopted. “The Equal Rights Amendment has long been a symbol of our nation’s commitment to justice and fairness for all,” Biden said. “It is time for this crucial piece of legislation to be recognized as the law of the land.”
The ERA has garnered significant support from political leaders, women’s rights organizations, and activists, many of whom have celebrated the announcement as a major victory. However, its path to ratification has not been without controversy. While the amendment’s primary intent is to solidify gender equality, some critics have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences of its language.
One of the main points of contention is the perceived implications the amendment could have on gender distinctions and abortion rights. Opponents argue that, while the ERA’s goal of ensuring equal rights is laudable, its broad language might lead to the elimination of legal distinctions between men and women in areas such as sports, healthcare, and even prison accommodations. Some interpretations have also suggested that the amendment could lead to increased legal protections for abortion rights, a topic that remains fiercely debated in the U.S.
Despite these concerns, supporters of the ERA stress that its purpose is clear—to secure equal treatment under the law for all individuals, regardless of gender. They argue that any potential changes or clarifications that may arise from its inclusion in the Constitution should be addressed through the legislative process, rather than denying the amendment’s ratification altogether.
While the announcement from President Biden has been hailed by many as a victory for gender equality, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing conversation about the role of gender in U.S. law. The recognition of the ERA as part of the Constitution has the potential to influence future court decisions, legal frameworks, and public policy discussions across a variety of issues related to gender rights.
As this historic step unfolds, both supporters and critics of the amendment will undoubtedly continue to engage in the national dialogue about what true equality means in the context of the modern world, and how the ERA might shape the nation’s future.