On a recent Sunday, Representatives Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), leaders of the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment, spearheaded the movement by sending a letter to President Biden. They emphasized the urgency of enshrining gender non-discrimination into the Constitution.

Lawmakers Highlight Gender Equality As a Core American Value

The letter highlighted the significance of gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors and recent increases in state-imposed abortion restrictions as primary reasons for this push. The lawmakers argued that the ERA's ratification is crucial for ensuring gender equality under the law.

They noted that such a move would not only fulfill a fundamental promise of equality but also stand as a significant achievement in Biden’s presidency. The advocates stressed that formal recognition of the ERA would send a robust message about the U.S.'s commitment to equality.

Historical Context Of The Equal Rights Amendment

The ERA was first passed by the House in 1971 and by the Senate the following year, setting the stage for a long battle over its ratification. By January 27, 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment, meeting the necessary threshold as stipulated by Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution.

Despite this milestone, past missed deadlines stalled the amendment's progress during President Donald Trump's administration. Advocates have found new hope as Biden's administration has revived interest in the amendment.

President Biden Reaffirms Support For The ERA

Last year, on Women’s Equality Day, President Biden expressed his unwavering support for the ERA. "I have long supported the ERA since I first ran for public office," he stated, emphasizing the importance of making the amendment law.

He further articulated his commitment to the cause by urging Congress to act swiftly in recognizing the ratification of the ERA. "No one should be discriminated against based on their sex," Biden affirmed, underscoring the necessity of embedding women’s full equality in the legal framework of the nation.

Quotes From The Letter To President Biden

"We must continue our efforts to fully affirm and recognize the equality of rights for all people, regardless of sex, as part of our Constitution, a vital effort that has never been more urgent," the Congress members wrote in their letter.

Another part of the letter read, "This action is essential as we prepare to transition to an administration that has been openly hostile to reproductive freedom, access to healthcare, and LGBTQIA+ rights."

Future Impact Of Ratifying The Equal Rights Amendment

The lawmakers expressed belief that recognizing the ERA’s ratification would not only fulfill the promise of equality enshrined in America's founding documents but also define Biden’s presidency as one that will echo through generations.

"In this critical moment, when the progress we’ve made on gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ protections is under threat, your decisive action to finalize the ERA’s certification would be a powerful statement to the nation and the world: that the United States is committed to ensuring equality for all, regardless of sex," the lawmakers stated.