Dear John,
For the first time in forty years, the Senate held hearings on the Equal Rights Amendment this week. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard arguments from constitutional law scholars, ERA advocates and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, making the case for constitutional equality.
“Quite frankly, most Americans think this is already in our Constitution, but Congress needs to complete the job,” said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) in his opening remarks. “The ERA is all about equality—the most fundamental of American values.”
The hearings focused on a joint resolution introduced by Sen. Cardin and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) which proposes removing the amendment’s arbitrary timeline for ratification, and recognizing the ERA as part of the Constitution. In the face of ongoing issues like the overturn of Roe v. Wade, gender-based violence and more, the ERA would help lessen disparities and secure women’s rights. What’s more, the amendment is massively popular—with 83 percent of the American public in support.
The work of ERA advocates reminds us that women and their allies don’t give up—and won’t until we’ve achieved full equality. This week, Ms. launched a series in collaboration with the Supermajority Education Fund dedicated to “The Majority Rules”—our answer to the question, “What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality?”
As the Winter 2023 installment of our ongoing Women & Democracy platform, the series includes five essays, along with corresponding videos, all written and narrated by prominent feminist thinkers including Alicia Garza, Mariska Hartigay, Ai-jen Poo and Stephanie Beatriz. Click here to explore the project.
In reading the series, I’m reminded that though we may not have full constitutional equality, and though our government may not fully represent us, feminists are committed to continuing the fight and creating a better world for all of us. “The lives and experiences of women—particularly women of color—are front and center in addressing all of our nation’s challenges,” reads our inevitable Super Rule. We won’t stop till it’s true.
Finally, we are still carefully monitoring the Texas case in which anti-abortion plaintiffs are asking the court to ban Mifepristone, one of two medications used in over half of abortions performed in the U.S. While most media coverage has predicted such a ban would apply nationwide, legal experts say that may not be the case. The important report from contributing editor Carrie Baker included below is worth your read. We will continue to update you as the situation progresses.
Onward,
