Provides for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
If passed, SCR2 would significantly impact state law by aligning Louisiana's legislative framework with the ideals of gender equality, formally recognizing the necessity for equal rights in the eyes of the law. The resolution also serves as a broader push for other states to consider the ratification of the ERA, generating momentum toward achieving the amendment's acceptance as part of the U.S. Constitution. Advocates believe this step forward would enhance protections against gender discrimination, benefiting women and promoting equality under the law. However, the legitimacy of prior ratifications remains a critical issue, particularly regarding those states that ratified after the original expiration date.
SCR2 is a concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature aimed at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. The resolution’s primary objective is to affirm that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged based on sex, while also empowering Congress to enforce this provision through appropriate legislation. The resolution marks an attempt to acknowledge and extend the ERA, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in legal terms both nationally and within the state of Louisiana. Additionally, SCR2 memorializes Congress to remove or extend the ratification deadline stated in the original joint resolution from 1972, which has been a point of legal contention concerning the amendment's validity and acceptance.
The sentiment surrounding SCR2 is largely supportive from groups advocating for women's rights, who view the resolution as an essential step toward achieving constitutional equality. However, there is also notable opposition from some legislators who are skeptical about the practical implications and enforceability of the amendment if ratified after decades of debate. This polarization reflects broader national conversations about gender equality and the implications of constitutional amendments, with advocates asserting the necessity of government action and opponents questioning the amendment’s relevance in the current legislative climate.
Notable points of contention involving SCR2 arise primarily around the deadline for ratification and the legitimacy of attempts to revive the ERA. Some argue that the amendment, despite passing through the necessary state legislatures, should not be considered valid due to the expired ratification period established by Congress in the 1970s. Conversely, supporters of SCR2 maintain that the resolution seeks to clarify that the timeline in the 1972 Congressional joint resolution does not pertain to the amendment itself, advocating for Congress to allow the amendment to be ratified and included in the Constitution irrespective of timing disputes. The discussion reflects ongoing tensions between legislative authority and constitutional interpretation.