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Action Kits /

ERA Toolkit

Resources and tools for Leagues working together to enshrine the ERA in the US Constitution.

Overview

LWVUS has supported and pushed for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) since it was first passed by Congress in 1972. In January of 2020, Virginia became the 38th and final state needed to ratify the ERA. As the ERA has met all requirements, the League has pushed for it to be added to the Constitution.

In this toolkit, you will find talking points and resources for Leagues to use in our nationwide push for ERA inclusion in the Constitution. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Talking Points

What is the ERA?

  • The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is the 28th Amendment of the US Constitution.
  • The ERA constitutionally protects the equality of rights under the law, regardless of sex. 
  • The text of the ERA reads: "Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Sec. 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Sec. 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification."  

What is the status of the ERA?

  • The ERA has met all ratification requirements and is therefore a valid part of the Constitution “to all intents and purposes,” according to Article V of the Constitution. 
  • The ERA was introduced by suffragist Alice Paul in 1923. It was passed by Congress in 1972 with more than the necessary 2/3 vote in both chambers, and in 2020 it passed the 38-state threshold (¾ of states) for ratification.
  • On January 17, 2025, President Biden released a White House statement affirming that the ERA is the law of the land.

Why do we need the ERA?

  • The ERA is a vital tool in our continued fights against sex and gender discrimination including unequal pay, workplace harassment, pregnancy discrimination, domestic violence, limited access to comprehensive health care, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, and more. 
    • More than 100 years after some women gained the right to vote, women continue to battle systematic discrimination in the form of unequal pay, workplace harassment, pregnancy discrimination, domestic violence, limited access to comprehensive health care, and more. 
  • We must address the root cause of inequality by amending our Constitution. 
  • The ERA will elevate the standards by which the courts scrutinize sex-based discrimination, protect against the rollback of rights, and pave the way for further legislative progress towards sex and gender equality.
  • Every person in our nation deserves to see their humanity reflected and protected.

What happens to the ERA now?

  • As per Article V of the Constitution, which establishes the amendment process, an amendment becomes part of the Constitution when it is passed by 2/3 of both chambers of Congress and ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures. 
  • As the ERA has met all ratification requirements, the national Archivist can proceed with final certification and publication of the amendment.

LWV support of the ERA

  • LWV has fought hard for passage and ratification of the ERA since the 1970s.
  • LWV supports... 
    • Equal rights for all under state and federal law regardless of sex, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability;
    • Final publication of the fully ratified ERA; and
    • Efforts to bring existing laws into compliance with the goals of the ERA.  
  • LWV seeks to secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. We promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans. 
  • Leagues across the country have worked to engage state and federal lawmakers and the executive branch and organize at the grassroots level to ensure equal rights for all, regardless of sex.
  • In 2024, LWVUS and state Leagues from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to members of Congress and the White House urging action for the immediate publication of the ERA in the US Constitution (read press release here).
  • In 2024, LWVUS and Shattering Glass led a letter from more than 140 diverse nonprofits calling on the President to act for publication of the ERA (read press release here).
  • The League commits to continuing to fight for the promise of our democracy: equality and justice for all. 

What people can do to support the ERA?

  • Talk with friends and family about the importance of the ERA.

Additional Resources

Purple graphic, "Tell Congress that equality needs to be in the Constitution"

Social Media

We encourage Leagues to use our premade graphics and sample templates when promoting the ERA action alert. Click the button below to download premade graphics:

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: ERA GRAPHICS

Sample Captions

  • Tell Congress that equality belongs in the Constitution. Congress must #AffirmTheERA!! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3XPJFPl
  • Equal rights regardless of sex should be enshrined in our Constitution! Tell Congress to ensure that the ERA is published! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3XPJFPl