In a significant political move, President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aims to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex. This proclamation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the amendment’s ratification status after it was originally passed by Congress in 1972. The ERA states, ‘Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.’ Biden’s administration is urging Congress to remove the deadline for States to ratify the amendment, which currently includes Virginia, Illinois, and Nevada as the only states to ratify it. On this matter, President Biden highlighted, ‘Ensuring equality for all is a cornerstone of our democracy.’ This announcement coincides with the appointment of new National Archivist, who will oversee the constitutional amendment process. The National Archives are currently in a position to validate the ratifications of the ERA, while officials affirm that the ongoing legal discussions surrounding the amendment do not diminish their commitment to uphold the tenets of the Constitution. Current debates reflect differing views about the necessity of the ERA, with prominent advocacy groups such as the National Organization for Women renewing calls for its adoption and implementation, citing the ongoing fight for women’s rights as justification for the amendment’s urgency. Florida local columnist noted that while progress has been made, the struggle for gender equality continues to resonate as a pressing issue within the state’s political landscape, underscoring, ‘The time for equality in our Constitution is long overdue.’ These developments highlight a pivotal moment in the pursuit of equal rights through constitutional means, as advocacy groups and government officials alike seek to ensure that equality is enshrined in American law.
President Biden Reaffirms Commitment to Equal Rights Amendment Amid Constitutional Debate
