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

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

He supported women’s equality, including the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2024

In Nevada, voters ratified the Equal Rights Amendment for the state constitution, which already protected abortion access and now does so under the state’s commitment to gender equality.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2024

Wade was overturned, Nevada voters passed a sweeping version of the Equal Rights Amendment, adding protections to the state’s constitution against discrimination based on sex.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 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