Equal Rights Amendment

Summary

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights to all American citizens, regardless of sex. It seeks to end the legal distinctions between women and men in matters of employment, divorce, property, etc. It was first introduced into Congress in 1923 by two Kansans- Senator Charles Curtis and Representative Daniel R. Anthony, Jr. The ERA was put forth to Congress every year thereafter, but was not passed by both the House and Senate until 1972. However, the amendment was never adopted because only 30 of the required 38 states ratified it by 1979. As of 2019, 37 states have ratified the amendment and there continues to be discussion about equal treatment.