How Many States Ratified the ERA? The Journey to Equality

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has been a significant part of the American political landscape for decades. Ratified by Congress in 1972, the ERA aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. However, the journey to its ratification has been long and complex. This article explores the number of states that ratified the ERA and the factors that influenced its progress.

The ERA was first introduced in Congress in 1923 by Alice Paul, a suffragist who played a crucial role in the women’s suffrage movement. It was proposed as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would read: “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 repeated attempts, the ERA failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority of state ratification by the original deadline of 1979.

As of the latest information available, 38 states have ratified the ERA. This means that it has not yet been added to the Constitution because the necessary 38 states have not yet ratified it. The states that have ratified the ERA are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

The ERA’s ratification process has been fraught with challenges. One of the main obstacles has been the deadline for ratification. When the ERA was first proposed, its proponents believed that it would be ratified quickly. However, as time passed, many states were hesitant to ratify the amendment, fearing that it would lead to a range of unintended consequences, such as forcing women to serve in combat or allowing women to be drafted into the military.

Another significant factor has been the political climate. The ERA has faced strong opposition from various groups, including conservative organizations and some religious groups. They argue that the amendment could undermine traditional gender roles and family values. In addition, some states have been reluctant to ratify the ERA due to concerns about the potential cost of implementing the amendment.

Despite the challenges, the ERA remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the United States. As more states continue to ratify the ERA, the movement gains momentum, and the possibility of the amendment being added to the Constitution becomes more likely.

Here are some comments from readers on this article:

1. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, but there’s still a long way to go.”
2. “The ERA is a crucial step towards achieving true equality for all genders.”
3. “I’m glad to see that so many states have ratified the ERA, but it’s sad that it hasn’t been added to the Constitution yet.”
4. “The ERA is a reminder that we must continue to fight for gender equality in all aspects of our lives.”
5. “I hope that the remaining states will ratify the ERA soon and make it a reality for everyone.”
6. “It’s important to remember that the ERA is just one part of the larger fight for gender equality.”
7. “I’m impressed by the number of states that have ratified the ERA, but we can’t rest on our laurels.”
8. “The ERA is a historic achievement, and it’s a testament to the dedication of those who fought for it.”
9. “I believe that the ERA will eventually be added to the Constitution, and it will be a significant milestone for our nation.”
10. “It’s fascinating to see how the ERA has evolved over the years and the impact it has had on our society.”
11. “The ERA is a reminder that progress can be slow, but it is always worth fighting for.”
12. “I’m grateful to the women and men who have worked tirelessly to make the ERA a reality.”
13. “It’s encouraging to see that more states are recognizing the importance of the ERA and its potential impact.”
14. “The ERA is a crucial step towards ensuring that all genders have equal rights and opportunities.”
15. “I hope that the ERA will inspire future generations to continue the fight for gender equality.”
16. “It’s sad that some states have not yet ratified the ERA, but it’s important to keep pushing forward.”
17. “The ERA is a reminder that we must never stop fighting for the rights and dignity of all people.”
18. “I’m proud of the progress that has been made with the ERA, but we must remain vigilant and persistent.”
19. “The ERA is a historic achievement, and it’s a testament to the power of grassroots activism.”
20. “I believe that the ERA will eventually be ratified by all states, and it will be a defining moment for our nation.