The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a constitutional amendment, passed by Congress in 1972 and ratified by 38 states states, which provides:

“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

It ensures equality under the law, which is a foundational principle of human rights. It would rectify the intentional exclusion of women from our nation’s founding document and prohibit sex-based discrimination. The vast majority of Americans support the ERA, and most believe we’ve already adopted it. The U.S. is one of only 25 nations worldwide that still lacks this type of provision.

The ERA Reflects Christian Values

Created in God’s divine image, all human beings have sacred dignity and worth. All people deserve respect for their inherent human rights, including equality under the law. 

In Christian tradition, women have been judges, apostles, and witnesses to the resurrected Christ. They have been preachers and mystics, defenders and reformers of the faith. 

We worship a Christ who welcomed all people and took their concerns seriously; we cannot accept a constitution that excludes women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ people.

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

The ERA Will Benefit Individuals, Families, and Communities

The ERA will enable Congress to pass laws addressing pervasive problems like intimate partner violence, workplace sexual harassment, and pregnancy and pay discrimination. It will provide a mandate for laws and policies that support mothers and all parents in combining paid work with family caregiving.

The ERA will also guard against sex-based discrimination, applying the same legal standard that prohibits discrimination based on race or religion.

In the U.S. and around the world, history has shown that when women’s rights are protected, their children, their families, and all of society benefits.