The bill challenges the imposition of time limits on constitutional amendments, asserting that the process for ratification as defined in the Constitution does not inherently include such limits. It highlights the necessity of removing the deadline to facilitate potential ratifications from the remaining states that have not yet endorsed the ERA. As Arizona moves to support this memorial, it also emphasizes the growing momentum among states that have recently ratified the amendment, reflecting a shift in public opinion regarding women's rights.
Summary
HCM2005 is a concurrent memorial introduced by several members of the Arizona Legislature, urging the United States Congress to remove the deadline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA aims to enshrine gender equality and establish a national legal standard against sex discrimination in the Constitution. Originally drafted by suffragist Alice Paul and introduced in Congress in 1923, the ERA garnered significant support over decades, achieving a two-thirds vote in both Houses of Congress by 1972. However, a seven-year deadline was established for its state ratifications, which ended before the amendment could be fully ratified by 38 states as required.
Contention
Significant contention surrounds the implementation of HCM2005, particularly from those who argue that procedural timelines for amendments serve important legal and parliamentary functions. Critics may counter that removing the deadline could open floodgates for unresolved amendments, complicating legislative processes. Supporters, however, view the removal of the deadline as a critical step toward achieving gender equality, emphasizing that delaying or declining ratification does not negate the need for constitutional protections for women.
Final_thoughts
HCM2005 reflects a broader cultural and legislative push toward gender equality in the United States. By advocating for the removal of the ERA ratification deadline, Arizona positions itself as part of a national dialogue on women's rights and equality, potentially influencing other states to reconsider their positions on the ERA.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.