On Equal Pay Day, a coalition of lawmakers led by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) reintroduced a bicameral resolution aimed at eliminating a significant barrier to the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The resolution seeks to remove the congressional deadline set in 1972, clearing the way for the ERA to be recognized as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would prohibit discrimination based on sex.
“For centuries, women – particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals – have been treated as less than – less deserving of pay, less protected by law, less free to show up as our authentic selves in a world that constantly pushes us down,” said Rep. Pressley. “By enshrining the ERA into law, we take a necessary step to center marginalized communities, close the gender wage gap, combat sex discrimination, reduce gender-based violence, ensure reproductive autonomy, and more. The time is now to affirm gender equality once and for all.”
Senator Murkowski emphasized Alaska’s commitment to the ERA, stating, “The state of Alaska ratified the ERA and amended the State Constitution in 1972, and that is a legacy I am proud to continue advocating for at the federal level. It is past time for the equal rights of women to be guaranteed in the United States Constitution.”
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) also voiced her support, noting that Hawaii was the first state to ratify the ERA. “We reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal opportunity and equal rights for all,” she said.
The ERA was first introduced in 1923 and was passed by Congress in 1972, but the imposed ratification deadline prevented it from being enshrined in the Constitution. With recent ratifications by Nevada (2017), Illinois (2018), and Virginia (2020), the required 38 states have now approved the ERA, prompting renewed efforts to recognize it officially.
Advocates argue that making the ERA the 28th Amendment would provide stronger legal tools to combat gender-based discrimination, protect reproductive rights, and advance workplace equality. Lawmakers and activists vow to continue pushing until gender equality is constitutionally guaranteed.
