John,
Equal rights have long been a priority for American women but they have not been enshrined in our Constitution.
In a letter to her husband, John Adams, dated March 31, 1776, Abigail Adams, a founding mother of our country, wrote:
“I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.”
Fifty years ago today, America embarked on a path to “
remember the ladies” and ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). On March 22, 1972, Congress approved the ERA and set a 7-year timeline for its ratification by the states. The original ERA provided:
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.”
To become a constitutional amendment, 3/4ths of the states would need to ratify it. Unfortunately, we fell
just 3 states short before the expiration of the 7-year ratification period.
I’m a proud cosponsor of the ERA and cosponsored House Joint Resolution 43, legislation removing the timeline for ratification of the ERA.
We’ve waited long enough to pass the ERA. If you’re with me, please add your name.
I’m a champion of women, a mother, a daughter, a sister and an auntie. The fight for gender equality is personal, and I’m proud to use my voice to represent our shared values in Congress.
Let’s be clear: we cannot have a fair and just democracy until we have true, constitutional equality for all genders.
That’s why I’m asking you to join me in fighting for gender equality and passing the ERA. Please add your name now →
It is a privilege to represent you.
Thank you for your support.
Anna
