The ERA, or Equal Rights Amendment, is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that guarantees equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The spelling of the word ERA is pronounced as [ˈiː ɑː ˈɑː], with emphasis on the first syllable. The letter E makes the "ee" sound, while the letter A makes the "ah" sound. The word is often used in discussions surrounding gender equality and women's rights, and has been a topic of debate and controversy for decades.
The ERA, or Equal Rights Amendment, is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that seeks to ensure equal rights for all citizens regardless of their sex. The ERA aims to eliminate any legal distinction or discrimination based on gender, granting equal opportunities and protections under the law to both men and women.
This amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923, but it was not until 1972 that it was eventually passed by both houses. However, in order to become a part of the constitution, it had to be ratified by three-fourths (38) of the states within a seven-year deadline. Unfortunately, by the deadline in 1982, only 35 states had ratified the ERA, falling short of the required number.
The ERA would have had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including employment practices, social benefits, voting rights, and legal standing. Its enactment would have ensured that both men and women are equally protected under the law, preventing any form of gender-based discrimination or inequality. Supporters of the ERA argue that gender equality should be explicitly guaranteed in the constitution to safeguard against potential setbacks in the future.
Since its initial proposal, the ERA has generated ongoing debates and discussions regarding its necessity and implications. The quest for its ratification continues, with renewed efforts being made by activists and lawmakers to revive the ERA and address issues related to gender inequality in a constitutional framework.
The term "ERA" stands for the Equal Rights Amendment. Its etymology can be traced back to the advocates and supporters who coined and popularized the term in the mid-20th century in the United States. The ERA was a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aimed to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of their sex. The term "ERA" itself represents the key objective of the amendment, advocating for equality.