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

After Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment, the constitutional amendment that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, a countermovement pushed states not to ratify the measure.

From Slate • May 13, 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

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

Both worked for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and she said its failure was the greatest disappointment of her White House years.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2023

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