House Democrats Urge Biden to Ratify ERA

Over 120 House Democrats are urging President Biden to take action to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aims to prohibit gender discrimination in the U.S. Constitution. The amendment, first proposed in 1923 and ratified by Virginia as the 38th state in 2020, has faced legal uncertainties regarding its ratification status. Lawmakers, led by Reps. Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley, argue that formal recognition of the ERA is crucial, especially with the incoming Trump administration expected to be hostile to reproductive and LGBTQIA+ rights. They emphasize that this step would affirm the constitutional guarantee of equality for all, amid rising challenges to gender rights and health care access. Critics warn that the amendment could lead to significant implications for U.S. law, potentially causing extensive litigation over its interpretations. Despite the push, any presidential action on the ERA is likely to face opposition from conservative groups and legal challenges.