In a bold move, over 120 House Democrats have penned a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to take decisive action to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The letter marks a significant push in the decades-long battle to enshrine gender equality into the U.S. Constitution.
The ERA, first proposed a century ago, aims to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. Advocates argue its ratification is long overdue and essential to combating systemic gender-based discrimination. The letter, sent on Monday, reflects growing frustration among lawmakers and activists who say the Biden administration has the power to make history by certifying the amendment.
Representative Ayanna Pressley, a leading voice on the issue, emphasized the urgency of the moment: “The ERA is not just a legal necessity; it is a moral imperative. Women and marginalized genders have waited too long for their rights to be recognized in the Constitution.”
Despite achieving the necessary state ratifications in 2020, the ERA has faced legal hurdles, with opponents citing a long-passed deadline set by Congress in the 1980s. Supporters, however, argue that the deadline is legally irrelevant and that the amendment should be recognized as the 28th addition to the Constitution.
The letter from House Democrats calls on Biden to direct the U.S. Archivist to certify the ERA, sidestepping opposition in Congress. “This is about fairness and justice for all Americans,” the letter reads. “It is time for our laws to reflect our values.”
The Biden administration has previously expressed support for the ERA but has stopped short of taking unilateral action, citing ongoing legal disputes. Monday’s letter could increase pressure on the White House to act.
Advocates for the ERA say its ratification could have sweeping implications, strengthening protections against gender discrimination in the workplace, healthcare, and beyond. Critics, however, warn of potential unintended consequences, including its impact on issues like abortion and gender-based affirmative action.
The political stakes are high, as the push for the ERA comes amid heightened debates over women’s rights and gender equality in the U.S. With 2024 elections looming, Democrats hope to rally support around this issue, framing it as a litmus test for progressivism and justice.
As the nation watches, the question remains: Will President Biden seize this moment to solidify the Equal Rights Amendment into law, or will the battle for gender equality face yet another setback?
