Gender inequality is so severe in the past that a proposal to add the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States constitution has to be made. It was introduced in Congress in 1923, but was only approved by 35 States 50 years later. But because 38 States has to approve the amendment to make it a law, its addition to the constitution remains a hot, controversial issue to this day.
Why are some states opposed to the Equal Rights Amendment when the population is a mix of male and female? Perhaps they are not in favor of the amendment’s context.
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
It was designed to ensure equal rights for women. It also specifies that only the Congress will have the power to impose the provisions of the ERA, and two years after its ratification, the amendment will take effect.
The Equal Rights Amendment was written by Alice Paul in 1923, just years after women were granted the right to vote by the 19th amendment. She was the founder of the National Woman’s Party and a suffragist leader. Since its introduction until 1972, the ERA was brought up in almost every session, but falls short by 3 states so it can be put into the Constitution. What would it mean if the Equal Rights Amendment becomes a law? What are its pros and cons?
List of Pros of Equal Rights Amendment
1. Abolition of gender discriminating laws
Once the ERA becomes part of the Constitution, all federal laws and family court laws that discriminate on account of sex would be completely abolished. Gender favoritism would become illegal as well as any prejudice shown based on gender. Although it won’t stop people from holding specific views, it will minimize gender discrimination. It would also be easy to take legal action against anyone who violates the law.
2. Equal rights are made for all
The US Constitution does not guarantee that citizens’ rights are protected and equally held by everyone. But with the addition of the ERA, everyone will now have legal civil, human, and diplomatic rights from any and all types of prejudice.
It would also clarify the legal standard for court rulings on cases related to gender discrimination, which is currently absent. At present, nearly everything women receive has to go through the courts where officials have an opportunity to use ‘protective laws’ to place women in their rightful place in society, effectively ending further arguments. But when the ERA is passed, all forms of gender discrimination will no longer be tolerated and legal rulings will have a set standard.
3. Women’s rights will have legal basis
The ERA will effectively put an end to the discussion or debate regarding gender equality. Men and women will be finally recognized as equals, sparing women from the need to fight for their standing in the society and to have level footing with men. Women will be able to get credit or run a business without asking for her husband’s consent. She will be able to take advantage of medical care, travel, vocational training and a wider range of associations.