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Ratify ERA Illinois

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In Illinois, SJRCA4 provides for ratification of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. On April 11th, 2018, the Illinois Senate voted to ratify the ERA. It is now before the Illinois House of Representatives.

 

 

“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

It’s that simple!

First proposed in Congress in 1923, the ERA is the only way to provide legal equality of the sexes and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. In 1982, it fell three states short of the 38 needed for ratification. It remains the only clear-cut way to protect against all legal gender-based discrimination in the US, and is supported by 94% of Americans (source).

“Certainly, the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it.  It doesn’t.” – Justice Scalia, 2010, UC Hastings College of Law

Illinois’ “Little ERA”

Illinois has had an equality clause in its State Constitution since 1970. We are a 48 year test-pilot for the ERA and have suffered from no unintended negative consequences. 24 other states have enacted “little ERAs” in their state constitutions. But the American population is more mobile than ever before and our rights should not end at the state line! Having a federal ERA, that is uniformly applied throughout the state, will benefit women throughout the country. It will also make class-action lawsuits for gender discrimination a legally viable option.

 

Why do we need it?

 

Deadline Issues

 

But what about…?

 

Supporting Organizations

 

What you can do

 

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