Biden Affirms ERA as Law of Land

In a significant move just before leaving office, President Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to be the law of the land, asserting that it guarantees equal rights regardless of sex. This announcement comes amidst ongoing debates about the amendment's certification, as the U.S. Archivist has previously stated that the ratification deadline has expired and any changes would require congressional action. Biden emphasized that the ERA has been ratified by three-fourths of the states and aligns with the American Bar Association's stance that it has cleared all necessary hurdles. However, the legality of Biden's declaration remains uncertain without court backing, and he did not direct the U.S. Archivist to publish the amendment. Advocates for the ERA view this declaration as a crucial step toward cementing gender equality in the Constitution, while critics suggest the matter may ultimately need resolution in the courts. The push for the ERA reflects a broader public support for gender equality, with many lawmakers urging swift action from Biden to formalize this constitutional change.