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Biden Claims ERA is Law Amid Legal Uncertainty

1/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

President Biden's bold claim that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is "the law of the land" has sparked renewed conversations about gender equality. Although Virginia ratified the amendment in 2020, ongoing legal hurdles loom due to an expired deadline. The National Archives stands firm, stating it cannot certify the ERA without further congressional or judicial intervention, casting doubt on its future.

History

Historical Context

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), first proposed in 1923, aimed to eliminate sex discrimination. It gained momentum in the 1970s, passing Congress in 1972 but falling short of state ratification by 1982. Recent ratifications by Nevada, Illinois, and Virginia have reignited debates, echoing historical struggles for gender equality and highlighting ongoing legal challenges to its certification amid evolving societal norms.

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Story summary

President Biden's bold claim that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is "the law of the land" has sparked renewed conversations about gender equality. Although Virginia ratified the amendment in 2020, ongoing legal hurdles loom due to an expired deadline. The National Archives stands firm, stating it cannot certify the ERA without further congressional or judicial intervention, casting doubt on its future.

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