Activists Demand Biden Ratify Equal Rights Amendment

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is ramping up efforts to persuade President Biden to certify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment, aiming to solidify gender equality and reproductive rights in the U.S. Constitution before his term ends. Despite a strong push from 46 Senate Democrats and activists, the ERA faces significant legal and procedural hurdles, with opponents claiming that ratification deadlines are binding. Gillibrand emphasizes the urgency of this issue in light of recent threats to reproductive rights following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Activists recently protested outside the Capitol, echoing the sentiment that the stakes for gender equality are higher than ever. A survey indicates substantial public support for Biden's action on the ERA, with 61% of voters favoring its certification, including overwhelming backing from Democrats. Nonetheless, critics argue that the amendment's path to ratification is effectively dead, highlighting the complexities surrounding constitutional amendments.