Provides for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment
Impact
If ratified, HCR2 would potentially modify state laws and delegates authority for enforcement to Congress, fundamentally ensuring that rights cannot be denied or abridged based on sex. This has implications for various state statutes that currently address gender discrimination and can lead to more robust legal protections for individuals facing sex-based discrimination. The resolution aims to add momentum to the ERA, which has been ratified by a significant number of states but has faced challenges regarding its time limit for ratification.
Summary
HCR2, a House Concurrent Resolution, seeks to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution, which asserts that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied on account of sex. This amendment aims to establish gender equality explicitly within the Constitution and give Congress the power to enforce its provisions. The resolution actively memorializes Congress to consider extending or removing the ratification deadline for the ERA, reflecting a broader national discussion regarding women's rights and equality under the law.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR2 is generally positive among supporters who view it as a necessary advancement in the fight for gender equality. Advocates argue that constitutionalizing equal rights would represent a milestone for women’s rights in the U.S. However, there may be mixed feelings among some lawmakers and constituents, especially regarding the revival of the ERA discourse, its relevance, and the potential political implications. This presents a landscape of support alongside concerns over the methodology and timeline of the amendment's ratification.
Contention
Key points of contention revolve around the expired ratification deadline and whether Congress holds the authority to extend this limit. Some opponents argue that such an extension could set a precedent undermining legislative processes regarding amendments. Supporters contend that since the ERA has already gained substantial support from states, it is imperative for Congress to facilitate its inclusion in the Constitution by eliminating bureaucratic constraints. This debate highlights broader issues of gender rights and the evolving perceptions of constitutional amendments in contemporary discourse.
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.
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.
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.