A resolution memorializing Congress to resolve that the requirements have been met to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and that it shall now be known as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.
Impact
The passage of HF197 represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the U.S. legal framework. It could solidify legal protections against sex discrimination, directly impacting laws that affect women's rights in various aspects including employment, healthcare, and social justice. Advocates believe this constitutional guarantee would prevent future legislative changes that could erode the gains made in gender equality. The resolution, although not altering state law itself, serves as a powerful affirmation of the legislature's commitment to gender-based equality.
Summary
House File 197 is a resolution from the Minnesota legislature that commemorates the completion of the ratification process for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The bill expresses the state's position that the requirements for the ERA's acceptance as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution have been fulfilled. It emphasizes the importance of constitutional protections against sex discrimination and reflects Minnesota's own historical ratification of the ERA in 1973. The resolution urges Congress to officially recognize the ERA as ratified, highlighting its significance for gender justice and equality under the law.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HF197 is largely supportive, particularly among advocates for women's rights and gender equality. Legislators who champion the bill view it as a necessary step toward affirming equal rights and addressing historical injustices faced by women and marginalized genders. However, the discourse around the bill also echoes a broader societal debate regarding the necessity and efficacy of constitutional amendments for achieving lasting change. Critics argue about the need for additional safeguards and legislative actions beyond mere ratification declarations.
Contention
Despite its broad support, HF197 does face contention from certain factions that question whether a constitutional amendment is the most effective means of ensuring gender equity. Some argue that state-level laws could provide direct and rapid changes to improve gender equality. Concerns were raised about the potential for political pushback at the federal level, where debates on gender rights are increasingly polarized. Thus, while the bill resonates positively with advocates, it underscores ongoing discussions regarding the best strategies to achieve comprehensive reform in securing equal rights.
Expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment without delay.
A concurrent resolution calling on the Archivist of the United States to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution and calling on the United States Congress to declare the Equal Rights Amendment ratified.
A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment without delay.
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.
SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY CALLING FOR PUBLICATION AND AFFIRMATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (Requests that the President, Joseph R. Biden, publish without delay the Equal Rights Amendment as our Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.)
HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY CALLING FOR PUBLICATION AND AFFIRMATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (Requests that the President, Joseph R. Biden, publish without delay the Equal Rights Amendment as our Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.)
A RESOLUTION to urge the publication and affirmation of the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.