Ratification; equal rights amendment
If ratified, SCR1039 would affirm Arizona's commitment to gender equality, aligning state laws with the proposed federal standard that prohibits discrimination based on sex. This would enhance protections against gender-based discrimination and reinforce existing laws aimed at promoting equal rights for all individuals, ensuring that men and women are treated equally under the law. The ERA's ratification could stimulate discussions around additional laws and measures that further protect and promote women's rights in Arizona and across the United States.
SCR1039 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Arizona State Legislature aiming to ratify the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution. Originally proposed by Congress on March 22, 1972, the ERA seeks to ensure that equality of rights under the law cannot be denied or abridged on account of sex. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of garnering sufficient support from state legislatures to officially add the amendment to the Constitution, following its adoption by Congress.
The passage of SCR1039 may not come without opposition. Critics may argue that the amendment could lead to unintended consequences in various sectors, such as education, healthcare, and employment, where existing protections for women are viewed as sufficient. Some opponents underscore concerns that applying a broad equal rights amendment could complicate legal matters pertaining to gender-specific policies or programs, potentially undermining existing efforts to address disparities.