Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment as ‘Ratified’ in Symbolic Gesture

President Biden claims the Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, but its legal status remains uncertain amid ongoing debates.

Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment as ‘Ratified’ in Symbolic Gesture
Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment as ‘Ratified’ in Symbolic Gesture

Washington: So, President Biden made a big statement recently about the Equal Rights Amendment, or ERA. He said it should be seen as ratified, which sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: it’s more of a symbolic move than anything that will change the game right now.

The ERA aims to stop discrimination based on gender and was first sent out for ratification back in 1972. Biden emphasized that it’s time to recognize what the American people want. He mentioned that three-fourths of the states have ratified it, making it a part of the law that guarantees equal rights for everyone, no matter their sex.

However, this announcement comes just before he hands over the reins to Donald Trump, and it doesn’t really change the fact that presidents don’t have a say in the amendment process. The National Archives has already said they can’t certify the amendment because it didn’t meet the deadline set by Congress.

On the same day, the National Archives reiterated their stance, saying nothing has changed legally or procedurally. A Biden official mentioned that he wasn’t pushing the archivist to certify the amendment, avoiding a potential legal mess.

There was even a rally planned outside the National Archives with some members of Congress joining in. The ERA was sent out for ratification in 1972, and while Congress set a deadline for states to ratify it by 1982, it wasn’t until 2020 that Virginia finally made it happen, bringing the total to 38 states. Now, the archivist says only Congress or the courts can change the deadline to make it official.

Disclaimer: All images comply with fair use for educational and informational purposes. Sourced from public platforms. Have questions? Contact us.
Fact-Checking Policy: Accurate information is our focus. If errors are found, please let us know, and corrections will be made swiftly.