Biden declares Equal Rights Amendment law as gender equality debate continues

President Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as "the law of the land," aiming to secure gender equality in the Constitution. This statement comes just days before he leaves office, raising questions about its practical implications. The ERA, first proposed in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, states that rights cannot be denied based on sex. Supporters argue it is essential for protecting against discrimination, while opponents claim the deadline for ratification has passed. In 2023, the Senate blocked the ERA's ratification, falling short of the votes needed. The National Archivist stated that the amendment cannot be certified due to legal and procedural issues, despite Virginia's ratification in 2020.