Constitutional Equality
The Equal Rights Amendment is a century-long effort to place equality of rights regardless of sex explicitly in the United States Constitution. SBWPC supports the ERA as part of its adopted feminist public-policy framework.
Where the ERA Stands
Current Status
38 statesThe National Archives has not certified the ERA as part of the Constitution, citing the ratification deadline and existing legal and procedural decisions. Current congressional resolutions seek to establish ratification notwithstanding that time limit.
SBWPC Position
Adopted Position
The organization’s adopted position papers explicitly call for constitutional equality and ratification of both the Equal Rights Amendment and CEDAW.
ERA History
First Introduced
1923The Equal Rights Amendment is first introduced in Congress.
Congressional Passage
1972Congress approves the ERA and sends it to the states for ratification.
Thirty-Eighth State
2020Virginia becomes the thirty-eighth state to vote to ratify the ERA.
Current Debate
TodayRecognition, publication and the effect of the ratification deadline remain contested.
Why the ERA Matters
Supporters of the ERA argue that an explicit constitutional guarantee would strengthen the legal foundation for addressing sex-based discrimination across public life.
Work & Economic Equality
Pay equity, workplace discrimination, employment opportunity and economic security.
Education & Public Life
Education, public institutions, representation and access to civic life.
Bodily Autonomy & Equal Protection
Sex-based discrimination, gender-based violence, bodily autonomy and equal protection under law.
Take ERA Action
Congress
Find the federal officials who represent you and make your position on constitutional equality known.
Find Elected OfficialsSBWPC Public Record
Review SBWPC’s public ERA advocacy, including support for congressional action and its 2025 letter to Representative Salud Carbajal.
ERA Committee
Connect with SBWPC’s committee work on constitutional equality, education and ERA advocacy.
ERA Education & Archive
Articles & Advocacy Record
Open current ERA writing, historic advocacy letters and the organization’s broader feminist publication archive without a technical feed or crowded gallery interface.
Understand · Advocate · Organize
ERA Status
SBWPC Position
ERA History
Why the ERA Matters
These are policy areas in which ERA supporters argue an explicit constitutional equality guarantee could strengthen the legal framework against sex-based discrimination.
Equal treatment in pay, employment opportunity and workplace protections.
Equal access, opportunity and treatment in educational institutions and programs.
A constitutional equality lens for laws and government responses involving sex-based violence and discrimination.
Constitutional arguments concerning sex equality, bodily autonomy and government treatment.
Equal treatment in government programs, public systems and civic participation.
An explicit textual guarantee that equality of rights may not be denied or abridged on account of sex.
Take ERA Action
ERA Committee
SBWPC members interested in constitutional equality and ERA advocacy can connect through the organization’s committee structure. Meeting schedules and leadership information may change, so confirm the next meeting before attending.
ERA Education & Archive
