I am writing to express my strong support for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and to urge your backing for this crucial constitutional amendment.
Originally introduced in 1923, the ERA aims to prohibit discrimination based on sex, a provision notably absent in the US Constitution. This amendment is essential for ensuring equality under the law for all citizens, irrespective of their sex. It also addresses recent congressional actions that have sought to roll back legislative protections against sex discrimination. Furthermore, the ERA mandates that courts apply strict scrutiny to any policy that permits differential treatment based on sex.
While the ERA was passed by Congress in 1972, it fell short of ratification by only three states before the 1982 deadline. However, the landscape has significantly changed since then, with Virginia becoming the 38th state to ratify the ERA in January 2020.
In response to this renewed momentum, Democrats in both the House and Senate have introduced resolutions—H.J. Res. 25 and S.J. Res. 4—to eliminate the ratification deadline for the ERA. This move signifies a pivotal step towards constitutionally declaring equal rights for women in the United States.
The time is ripe to solidify landmark constitutional protections against sex discrimination. I strongly encourage you to support these resolutions and advocate for extending the deadline for the ERA's ratification. This action is not just a matter of legal formality but a crucial step towards true equality in our nation.
