On March 22, 1972, the United States Senate made history by passing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a bold step toward ensuring gender equality under the law. The amendment, which stated that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,” was designed to eliminate legal discrimination based on gender. It was a moment of triumph for the women’s rights movement, yet the journey to full ratification would prove to be an uphill battle.
The fight for the ERA began decades earlier, first introduced in 1923 by suffragist Alice Paul. However, despite the growing momentum of the women’s rights movement, it struggled to gain traction in Congress. That changed in the 1960s and early 1970s, as the feminist movement gained strength, advocating for equal opportunities in education, employment, and legal protections. When the Senate finally passed the ERA in 1972, following its approval by the House of Representatives, it seemed like gender equality was within reach.
But the amendment faced a significant roadblock—it needed ratification by 38 states to become part of the Constitution. Initially, support was strong, with 35 states ratifying it quickly. However, a conservative backlash, led by figures like Phyllis Schlafly, argued that the ERA would dismantle traditional gender roles and lead to unintended social consequences. As opposition grew, momentum slowed, and by the 1982 deadline, the amendment fell short of full ratification.
Despite this setback, the ERA remains a symbol of the fight for gender equality. In recent years, efforts to revive the amendment have gained renewed attention, with activists pushing for its official recognition. While legal debates continue, the passage of the ERA by the Senate in 1972 stands as a landmark moment in the ongoing struggle for equal rights. It was more than just a legislative victory—it was a declaration that gender should never determine a person’s rights and opportunities.