Urges U.S. Congress to pass Equal Rights Amendment.
The resolution emphasizes the 1972 passage of the ERA by Congress and its subsequent submission to the states for ratification. After the initial approval by 35 states by 1977, and the extension of the deadline to 1982, the ratification faced setbacks, with five states rescinding their support. The passage of AJR72 seeks to reignite the legislative momentum needed to ratify the ERA and solidify women's rights under federal law, reinforcing the argument for gender equality as a fundamental constitutional principle.
AJR72, introduced in the New Jersey 220th Legislature, urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA is a proposed amendment designed to guarantee equal rights for women by explicitly stating that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied on the basis of sex. This resolution is framed within the historical context of the ERA, initially authored by suffragist Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman in 1923, and highlights the importance of women’s rights enshrined in the Constitution.
While the resolution presents a unified call for equal rights, it may encounter contention surrounding differing political ideologies regarding gender-specific amendments. Proponents argue for the necessity of the ERA to ensure unambiguous legal protections for women, viewing it as crucial for addressing gender discrimination. Conversely, some opponents might contend that existing laws sufficiently protect gender equality or that the ERA may have unforeseen implications on state laws and individual rights.