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.
If enacted, HCR0003 could solidify the Equal Rights Amendment within the constitutional text, making it a formal part of U.S. law. This would enhance legal protections against sex-based discrimination, reinforcing the legal standard of equality under the law. The resolution also carries symbolic weight, as it reflects a legislative acknowledgment of the importance of recognizing gender equality through constitutional means, amidst ongoing debates about civil rights and protections.
HCR0003 is a concurrent resolution that calls on the Archivist of the United States to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This resolution also urges Congress to declare the ERA ratified, as it has already secured the necessary support from three-quarters of the states. The ERA proposes that rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex, thereby reinforcing the principle of gender equality within the constitutional framework.
The sentiment around HCR0003 is largely positive among supporters, who view it as a crucial step towards ensuring that gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution. Proponents argue that this certification will send a strong message about the commitment to civil rights and full recognition of women's rights at the national level. Conversely, there are opponents who express concerns about potential legal implications arising from the amendment, as well as the broader socio-political reactions to its ratification over the decades.
Notably, the bill addresses contention surrounding the purported rescission of ratifications by certain states, asserting their inability to legally withdraw their support based on Article V of the Constitution. This challenges historical arguments that have been made regarding the legitimacy of the ERA's status and calls for an official response from the Archivist of the United States. As opinions diverge on whether the ERA should be certified, this resolution aims to clarify its legal standing and relevance in contemporary discourse on gender equality.