President Biden Affirms Support For Equal Rights Amendment

Former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks during a rally in front of the National Archives to highlight President Joe Biden's decision to declare the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to t

President Joe Biden made a significant announcement on Friday, declaring that the Equal Rights Amendment should be recognized as a ratified addition to the U.S. Constitution. While this statement is largely symbolic and unlikely to have a direct impact on the ongoing efforts for gender equality, it marks a notable stance by the President.

Biden emphasized that the Equal Rights Amendment is now considered the law of the land, despite the fact that presidents do not have a direct role in the constitutional process. He refrained from directing the leader of the National Archives to certify the amendment, a move that some activists have been advocating for, in order to avoid potential legal disputes.

The Equal Rights Amendment, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on gender, was initially sent to the states for ratification in 1972. Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it in 2020, albeit well past the deadline set by Congress, leading to a legal debate over its validity.

While Democrats and activists have long pushed for the recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment, Biden's public support for it came only recently. This delay has sparked frustration among some allies who believe that more prompt action was necessary.

Symbolic stance by President Biden on gender equality.

President Biden declared support for Equal Rights Amendment as ratified addition to Constitution.

Equal Rights Amendment prohibits gender discrimination.

Virginia became 38th state to ratify Equal Rights Amendment in 2020.

Legal debate over Equal Rights Amendment's validity due to ratification deadline.

Biden refrains from directing certification of Equal Rights Amendment to avoid legal disputes.

Activists urge National Archives to certify Equal Rights Amendment.

Biden emphasizes importance of equal rights and protections for all citizens.

National Archives maintains stance on legal and procedural issues surrounding Equal Rights Amendment.

Biden's support for Equal Rights Amendment highlights commitment to gender equality.

Despite the President's endorsement, the National Archives reiterated its stance that the legal and procedural issues surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment remain unchanged. Activists gathered outside the National Archives to celebrate Biden's statement and urge the archivist to take action in certifying the amendment.

In his statement, Biden emphasized the importance of recognizing the will of the American people and upholding equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of gender. While his support for the Equal Rights Amendment may not have an immediate impact, it underscores his commitment to advancing gender equality in the country.

Overall, Biden's affirmation of the Equal Rights Amendment represents a significant moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality in the United States.