Hope for the ERA
“Equal rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States on account of sex." -Equal Rights Amendment
- The Equal Right Movement also known as ERA was introduced in 1923 by suffragists, but never passed by congress. It wasn’t until 1972 that it was passed by congress therefore sent to states for ratification. Feminist gleamed for final equality, but then conservative woman halted with the opposition of the ratification.
- Phyllis Schafly, a conservative activist, was against the ERA.
- Schlafly focused on opposition to the ERA on traditional gender roles, for example that only men should do the fighting in wartime.
- On June 30,1982, the ratification was opposed due to falling short 3 states before ratifying the equal rights movement.
Gloria Steinem pointed out the contradiction of Phyllis Schafly opinion:
“Schlafly's discussion reveals a paradox. She was able to have it all: family and career. And she did it by fighting those who said they were trying to get it all for her.…Happiness resulted from being a wife and mother and working with her husband to reach their goals," –Gloria Steinem
Although the defeat of the ERA was heartbreaking, the fight for equal rights continues in today’s society.