Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment Ratified by States

President Biden recently announced that he believes the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has been ratified by the required three-fourths of states and is now the 28th amendment to the Constitution. However, this declaration lacks legal force as the amendment remains unpublished and Biden's assertion contradicts current legal opinions. The ERA was initially proposed in 1972 but missed its ratification deadline in 1982, although three additional states ratified it in recent years, with Virginia becoming the 38th state in 2020. Legal experts argue that Biden's statement is largely symbolic, as the National Archivist has confirmed that the ratification deadline has passed, making formal certification impossible. Critics of the ERA also warn that its implementation could lead to unintended legal consequences, such as the removal of distinctions in gender-specific laws. The ongoing debate reflects a deeper societal struggle over gender equality and legal rights in America.