Equal Rights Amendment

American  

noun

1. ERA.

---

Equal Rights Amendment Cultural  

1. A twice-proposed but never ratified amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit denial or abridgement of rights on the basis of sex. First proposed in 1923, the amendment was passed by Congress in 1972 but failed ratification by the requisite number of states. It was a major rallying point of the women's movement.

---

Example Sentences

Congress overwhelmingly passed the Equal Rights Amendment, which would enshrine gender equality into the Constitution, way back in 1972.

From Slate • Jan. 18, 2025

In New York, a state-level Equal Rights Amendment won by 61% this past election.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2024

Her mother, Carole Osman, founded the Broward County chapter of the National Organization for Women and Friedman spent her childhood canvassing for abortion rights and the Equal Rights Amendment at her side.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment was introduced last week and has its first legislative hearing Monday.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

She supported the Equal Rights Amendment, proposed in 1923; Congress passed the bill in 1912, but it was never ratified by three-fourths of the states.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling