ERA Equal Rights Amendment: Failed Ratification — Reading Comprehension

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced to the United States Congress in 1923, with the goal of ensuring equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The central problem it aimed to solve was the lack of explicit constitutional protections for women's rights. Although the 19th Amendment had granted women the right to vote in 1920, many activists believed that true equality required more. Alice Paul, a key leader of the women’s rights movement, declared, "We shall not be safe until the principle of equal rights is written into the framework of our government." This statement underlined the argument that legal change was needed for real social progress.

Supporters of the ERA believed that adding this amendment to the Constitution would guarantee women equal treatment in all areas, including employment, education, and property rights. They saw the ERA as a solution to ongoing discrimination against women. Major organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) and many politicians argued that the amendment would strengthen the country’s commitment to justice and democracy. They pointed to persistent wage gaps and limited opportunities for women as evidence that current laws were not sufficient.

However, the ERA also faced strong opposition from various groups. Many opponents, including some conservative women like Phyllis Schlafly, claimed that the amendment would threaten traditional family roles and remove protections for women, such as separate restrooms and exemptions from military drafts. They argued that the ERA would create new social problems and disrupt established customs. These critics believed that existing laws already provided enough protection and that the amendment was unnecessary, or even dangerous.

The legislative journey of the ERA was long and complicated. After decades of debate, Congress finally passed the amendment in 1972. According to the Constitution, at least 38 states needed to ratify (approve) the amendment for it to become law. At first, there was strong momentum: 35 states quickly ratified the ERA. However, the movement stalled as opposition campaigns gained strength, and no additional states joined before the 1982 deadline. Some states even attempted to withdraw their support, leading to legal confusion.

This conflict over the ERA revealed deep divisions in American society about gender roles, the pace of social change, and the meaning of equality. Supporters felt frustrated and disappointed, while opponents saw the failure as a victory for their values. The debate was marked by passionate arguments, public rallies, and widespread media attention. Both sides used historical evidence to support their positions, but came to very different conclusions.

Although the ERA was not added to the Constitution, its legacy continues to influence debates about gender equality in America. Some states have included similar guarantees in their own constitutions, and activists continue to push for national change. The struggle over the ERA teaches us that amending the Constitution is a challenging process, shaped by competing perspectives and complex political realities.

Interesting Fact: Interesting Fact: The ERA has been reintroduced in every session of Congress since 1982, showing that the debate over equal rights is still alive today.

When was the ERA first introduced?

How many states needed to ratify the ERA?

Who was a key leader for the ERA?

Why did some people oppose the ERA?

What does the quote from Alice Paul emphasize?

What happened after 35 states ratified the ERA?

The ERA was added to the Constitution. True or false?

What does 'ratify' mean in the passage?