ERA - The Amendment That Never Was

I have been asking women for several months now if they thought that the ERA was a law. Most replied with either "yes", or, "I'm not really sure." Only a few knew that the law had been passed by Congress but not yet Ratified by the Senate. It was only 6 votes short of Ratification in 1973, and can be recalled for a new vote at any time.

Forgive me, for I am just a man, ignorant of many things. But I can no longer remain quietly on the sidelines while the major parties get ready to spilt the masses, once again, on issues of morality. Their focus would be better employed on fixing the economy, but that's another story.

This is the story of the Amendment that never was, and how it can be easily accomplished now, and why it is important that we do so in the year ramping up to the coming elections. The story begins in 1972, at a time when women were burning bras and demanding their rights concerning abortion and job opportunities. They got the former via Roe v. Wade, but the latter seems to have eluded them, and the frightening thing is this - the ones that don't know, don't seem to care, even after you tell them.

Right now the ERA sits, already passed by the House, and can be recalled at any time for ratification by the Senate. It was only 6 votes shy of Ratification in 1973. There are now 17 women serving in the Senate. Why have none of them called for a vote? And more importantly, why haven't the women's rights groups, like NOW, been withholding campaign contributions from these candidates, who should be trumpeting the cause of the ERA? Why are women afraid, or indifferent to, the prospect of being declared equal? As I said, I am but a man, and such questions are beyond my abilities to provide answers.

But I can tell you this, the wording of the ERA, as it now stands, encompasses people of ALL sexual persuasion, thus nullfying the debates over Gay Marriage and Rights. The bill, as written, is not gender specific. Perhaps that is what makes it too hot an issue to touch? I have printed it here before, and do so now, with the hope that you will read it;

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.

Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.

That's it! That's the entire earth shaking amendment which every one is afraid of!Can you imagine if this were passed before the election? The economy would become the issue, rather than the window dressing issues of morality encompassed within this propsed Amendment. Women Senators,of both parties, who enjoy EEO protection and equal pay under Federal Law, should be lobbying for this bill to be voted upon for the benefit of their Constituents. And those Constituents should be demanding to know why they have not.

Here is a link listing all the Senaors by State, and their contact numbers, give them a call, and tell 'em "Rooftop" sent ya'.


http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm