We still have a long way to go -- but this is monumental.
Womxm of the United States of America, rejoice! After an uphill battle that has lasted nearly 100 years, the Equal Rights Amendment just took a major step forward last night when the legislature of Virginia ratified the proposal, making it the 38th and final state needed to do so.
However, the frustrating reality is that barriers remain before the United States Constitution actually prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. For decades, the ERA was proposed but never passed until the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives adopted the resolution in 1972 by the required two-thirds margin. The process then turned to the states, since amending the constitution requires that three-quarters of them ratify the amendment.
But don’t get too excited just yet: despite the sheer fact that the ERA has finally gained the last vote needed, full ratification will not be easy. That 1982 deadline might get in the way. While supporters of the ERA are calling for the deadline to be invalidated, opponents of the amendment are pushing to keep it in place. Not surprisingly, the Trump administration is trying to derail adoption of the ERA.
Even if looks as though the battle isn’t over quite yet, this moment will still be one for the books. It is absolutely crucial that womxn finally get equal representation in the Constitution in order to secure our rights and safety. When the ERA was first proposed, it was not perceived by proponents to be an inclusive document. The rights of poor working women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals were not part of the conversation.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Virginia Votes to Ratify ERA, Setting Up Likely Legal BattleVirginia became the 38th state to vote to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, but the vote may have come 38 years too late because the Trump administration says the ratification deadline expired in 1982.
Read more »
Virginia moves to brink of becoming 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights AmendmentVirginia has moved to the brink of becoming the crucial 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
Read more »
Virginia Just Passed the ERA. What Happens Now?Will the Equal Rights Amendment soon be enshrined in the U.S. Constitution? We spoke to an expert about what’s next.
Read more »
Virginia moves to brink of becoming 38th state to ratify Equal Rights AmendmentVirginia's state House and Senate approved the proposed amendment with bipartisan support, well over a generation after Congress sent the ERA to the states for ratification in 1972. Each chamber now must pass the other's resolution.
Read more »
Luke Bryan Announces Proud to Be Right Here Tour, Readies New AlbumLuke Bryan will hit the road on his Proud to Be Right Here Tour this summer
Read more »
You're Probably Marinating Your Meat for Too LongMore time does not equal more flavor (via basically)
Read more »