Equal Rights Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. Introduced in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, it states that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Despite widespread support, the amendment has not yet been ratified by the necessary number of states, leaving its future uncertain. The ERA seeks to eliminate legal distinctions based on gender and promote full equality.