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.
Impact
The passage of HJR82 would solidify the ERA's status in U.S. law, providing a constitutional basis for fighting against sex discrimination and empowering Congress to enact legislation that protects gender equality. Such a change could have far-reaching implications for how sex-based discrimination cases are adjudicated in the courts, as the ERA would provide explicit constitutional protection against such discrimination. It also reaffirms the commitment of Congress to gender equality at a time when discussions surrounding women's rights and protections are particularly relevant.
Summary
HJR82 expresses the sense of Congress that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which prohibits sex-based discrimination, has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The joint resolution calls for the Archivist of the United States to certify and publish the ERA as part of the Constitution without delay. This legislative move comes in light of the recent ratification of the ERA by Virginia on January 27, 2020, which proponents argue fulfills the necessary requirements outlined in Article V of the Constitution for an amendment to become law.
Contention
While supporters of HJR82 tout the benefits of finally solidifying the ERA into law, there are notable points of contention. Critics argue that the timeline of ratification and the legal interpretation of state actions—specifically concerning rescissions—could raise complex constitutional challenges. There is also a push from some state legislatures and groups against the recognition of the ERA due to beliefs that it may have unintended consequences on existing laws related to women and family rights. Thus, the resolution could evoke further debate on the implications of amending the Constitution to explicitly include gender equality.
Related
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 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 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.
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.)
Urging The President Of The United States To Publish The Equal Rights Amendment As The Twenty-eighth Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Of America.
Urging The President Of The United States To Publish The Equal Rights Amendment As The Twenty-eighth Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Of America.
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.
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.
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.