Equal Rights Amendment

American  

noun

1. ERA.

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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.

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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

The Equal Rights Amendment, passed by Congress in 1972, prohibits federal and state governments from denying rights on the basis of sex.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

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

ERC, they call it, and their main goal is to get the Equal Rights Amendment ratified and added to the Constitution.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins