Biden Supports Recognition of Equal Rights Amendment

Diverse group of women advocating for equal rights

News Summary

President Joe Biden has declared strong support for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring equal rights for women. Following Virginia’s historic ratification, Biden emphasizes the need for legal recognition, although challenges regarding the amendment’s certification remain. As discussions about women’s rights gain momentum, Biden’s announcement could solidify his legacy, yet potential legal hurdles are anticipated as he prepares to leave office.

President Biden Declares STRONG Support for Equal Rights Amendment

In a moment that’s causing quite a buzz, President Joe Biden has announced that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is officially ratified and should be recognized as part of the Constitution. This announcement comes at a fascinating time, just days before he’s set to transition out of the Oval Office.

What Is the Equal Rights Amendment?

The ERA, which aims to ensure equal rights for women and prohibits discrimination based on sex, was originally passed by Congress way back in 1972. You might be wondering what that means for the Constitution. Well, for any amendment to become a part of the Constitution, it requires ratification by three-quarters of the states—38 out of 50 to be exact. After years of waiting and some hurdles, Virginia made history by becoming the 38th state to ratify the ERA in 2020.

A Historic Declaration

Biden’s announcement aligns with the sentiments of the American Bar Association (ABA) and many constitutional experts who support putting the ERA into the Constitution. He emphasized that this amendment is all about ensuring that all Americans, regardless of their sex, have equal rights and protections under the law.

Next Steps and Legal Uncertainty

While Biden’s assertion sounds promising, a senior official in his administration clarified that this declaration is more of an opinion rather than a formal executive action concerning the legal status of the amendment. The next important step involves the archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, who will need to certify and publish this amendment officially. However, Shogan has expressed that she might not certify the ERA due to previous legal and procedural decisions related to a ratification deadline that has already passed.

You see, while the ERA was initially passed with a seven-year deadline for ratification, that timeline was extended all the way to 1982. Unfortunately, not enough states ratified it within that timeframe. Adding to the confusion, legal experts point out that five states have rescinded their approval, which brings up significant questions about Biden’s authority to pronounce the amendment as ratified. Talk about a twist!

A Bold Move Amidst Sparking Conversations

This declaration appears to be a final effort by Biden to cement his legacy in promoting women’s rights, especially after the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Prior to Biden’s announcement, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and a significant group of over 120 House Democrats had urged the President to recognize the ERA as a constitutional part before his term ends—showing that the push for this amendment has strong bipartisan backing, at least in some circles.

Anticipating Future Legal Battles

However, this announcement may spiral into a wave of legal disputes concerning the status of the amendment and the authority of the National Archives. Biden’s statement wasn’t a clear-cut order to publish the ERA, which leaves everything in a state of uncertainty moving forward. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but legal experts are gearing up for possible contests.

Other Key Actions Before Transition

Alongside this significant announcement, President Biden has also taken steps to offer clemency to nonviolent drug offenders and imposed a ban on new oil and gas drilling across extensive ocean regions. But all of this could shift quickly, as President-elect Donald Trump is expected to roll back many of Biden’s initiatives once he takes office.

The Equal Rights Amendment journey has been long and winding, and while Biden’s declaration is a step forward, the road ahead may be fraught with challenges. As we await what’s next, it’s clear this topic will remain a hot button in the conversations about equality and rights for all.