Legal Definitions - ERA

ERA stands for the Equal Rights Amendment.

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aims to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Its primary goal is to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in areas such as divorce, property, employment, and other matters. Although passed by Congress in 1972, it has not yet been fully ratified by the required number of states to become a formal part of the Constitution.

• Example 1: Legislative History Discussion

  During a political science lecture on constitutional amendments, the professor discussed the intense lobbying efforts by women's rights organizations in the 1970s to secure congressional passage of the ERA. They highlighted how the amendment then moved to the states for ratification, facing significant opposition in some legislatures.

  This example illustrates the ERA as a specific legislative proposal that went through the federal amendment process, reflecting its historical journey from congressional approval to state-level consideration.

• Example 2: Potential Legal Impact

  A legal analyst on a news program explained that if the ERA were to be fully ratified and incorporated into the Constitution, it could provide a stronger legal basis for challenging gender-based discrimination in employment. For instance, a lawsuit alleging unequal pay for men and women performing the same job might have a more direct constitutional claim under the ERA than under existing statutes alone.

  This example demonstrates how the ERA, if ratified, could strengthen legal protections against sex-based discrimination by providing a clear constitutional mandate for equality, potentially impacting court decisions and legislative interpretations.

• Example 3: Modern Advocacy

  At a rally for gender equality, speakers emphasized the ongoing importance of the ERA, arguing that its full ratification is crucial for ensuring that women and men have unequivocally equal standing under the law. They pointed out that despite progress, legal disparities based on sex still exist and a constitutional amendment would provide foundational protection.

  This example shows the ERA's continued relevance as a goal for advocacy groups who believe it is necessary to enshrine gender equality formally in the Constitution, highlighting its role in contemporary discussions about rights and justice.