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The Equal Rights Amendment
Drafted by Alice Paul, a leader in the fight for women's rights, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced in Congress in 1923 as a way to end discrimination against women. The controversial amendment was reintroduced at every subsequent session of Congress for 69 years. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary and some believed it destructive of the family. In 1972 the amendment passed both houses of Congress and was sent to the states for ratification. When the extended deadline for ratification arrived in 1982, the amendment was three states short of the required number of states. |