Urges U.S. Congress to pass Equal Rights Amendment.
The passing of AJR97 would not directly alter state laws; however, it would signify New Jersey's support for a constitutional amendment aimed at enshrining gender equality at the federal level. Should Congress pass the ERA and it be ratified by enough states, it would solidify equal rights for women in the Constitution, impacting various state laws which align with or contradict this principle. This could lead to broader implications for policies regarding employment, education, and healthcare that currently have gender disparities.
AJR97, introduced in New Jersey's 221st Legislature, is a joint resolution that urges the United States Congress to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA is designed to ensure equal rights for women by stating explicitly in the Constitution that rights shall not be denied on account of sex. This resolution reflects New Jersey's commitment to promoting gender equality following a historical context where the ERA was first introduced in 1923 and has faced numerous legislative challenges over the decades.
There could be contention surrounding AJR97, particularly among groups opposed to the ERA, who argue that existing laws are sufficient for protecting women's rights without the need for constitutional amendments. Some critics believe that the ERA might have unintended consequences that could affect existing laws regarding gender-specific considerations. Advocates, however, argue that the amendment is necessary to affirmatively protect against discrimination and to highlight gender equality in the nation's founding document.