Biden's Symbolic ERA Declaration Faces Criticism

President Joe Biden has declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, despite legal experts and the U.S. Archivist stating it cannot be certified due to a missed ratification deadline. Biden's announcement, made just before leaving office, has been met with criticism from legal scholars who label it as 'unserious' and irrelevant due to procedural hurdles. The ERA, which aims to ensure equal rights regardless of sex, was initially passed by Congress in 1972 but failed to meet the ratification deadline in 1982, with only 35 of the required 38 state approvals at that time. Recent ratifications by Nevada, Illinois, and Virginia have reignited debate over the amendment's status, but the legal standing remains contested, as the deadline has not been extended by Congress. Supporters argue the ERA is vital for protecting gender equality and reproductive rights, while opponents maintain that the original time limit renders it obsolete. The move has sparked celebrations among advocates but is expected to face significant legal challenges.