The Defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1982

Name: The Defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1982
Start: 1923-06-24
Location: Unspecified

The Equal Rights Amendment: A Historical Overview

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. First introduced in Congress in 1923, the ERA aimed to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other issues. The long and arduous journey towards ratification saw many peaks and valleys, but it was in 1982 that the amendment ultimately met its defeat.

The 1982 Ratification Deadline and Its Implications

As the 1970s progressed, the ERA gained significant momentum, with ratification by 35 states by the 1980s. However, the amendment's original time limit for ratification was set for seven years, later extended to an additional three years. By the 1982 deadline imposed by Congress, three more states were needed for the ratification to succeed. Unfortunately, during this period, organized opposition against the ERA grew, led by figures like Phyllis Schlafly and her group, STOP ERA, who argued that the amendment would dismantle traditional gender roles and harm families.

The Opposition's Arguments

The arguments put forth by opponents of the ERA centered around concerns that it would eliminate protections for women, such as exemptions from the military draft and certain labor laws. This perception that the amendment would deteriorate the status of women led to a rallying of conservative forces, hindering the progress of ERA supporters. The societal context of the early 1980s further complicated concerns over women's rights as traditional family values faced a resurgence.

The Fallout from the Defeat of the ERA

When the deadline for ratification passed on June 30, 1982, it was clear that the Equal Rights Amendment had failed to achieve the necessary support within the stipulated time frame. The defeat was a significant setback for the women's rights movement, as many had viewed the amendment as the pinnacle of their struggle for legal equality.

Impact on the Women's Rights Movement

The failure of the ERA sent ripples through the women's rights movement and sparked a period of reflection and re-strategizing. Activists recognized the need to focus on gaining rights through state-level initiatives and legislative measures rather than relying solely on a constitutional amendment. The defeat also led to an increased awareness of the political landscape and the necessity for grassroots organization.

The Legacy of the Equal Rights Amendment

Despite its defeat, the ERA's legacy remains significant. The connection made between the fight for the ERA and broader civil rights remains evident in ongoing conversations about gender equality today. Activists continue to advocate for the principles embodied within the amendment, some states have ratified the ERA posthumously, and discussions surrounding its constitutional viability are ongoing.

Fun Fact

The ERA and Modern Political Context

In recent years, the fight for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment has gained renewed vigor, with states like Virginia ratifying the ERA in 2020, years after the initial deadline. This resurgence reflects an evolving dialogue around gender equality in America.