President Biden Declares Equal Rights Amendment as the Law of the Land, a Historic Moment for Gender Equality

A Landmark Moment for Gender Equality

On January 17, 2025, President Biden made a significant announcement at the White House, declaring that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has become the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. After 102 years of relentless advocacy and campaigning by countless individuals and organizations, this landmark decision finally enshrines equality under the law, irrespective of sex, in the highest legal framework of the nation.

A Decade-Long Advocacy

For more than a century, women’s rights activists have tirelessly worked to secure legal equality through the ERA. Originally proposed in 1923, the amendment aims to ensure that rights are guaranteed equally to all individuals, regardless of gender. With Biden's declaration, advocates can now assert that every woman and girl in the United States holds constitutional protection against sex discrimination.

S. Mona Sinha, Global Executive Director of Equality Now, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "Enshrining the ERA in the U.S. Constitution will provide all women and girls a clear path to justice for any violations of their rights. This action lays robust foundations for addressing systemic injustices throughout the nation."

Implications for Legal Protections

The ERA promises to empower legal practitioners and advocates to confront sex-based inequality at the highest judicial level. Discriminatory laws will now be subjected to stringent scrutiny, facilitating a greater chance for plaintiffs to challenge such laws in courts. Furthermore, constitutional law experts predict that the ERA will catalyze more vigorous legislative efforts against human rights abuses, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

This significant transformation will not only fortify existing laws related to sexual and reproductive rights but also create crucial links between state and federal women's rights legislation.

Aligning with International Standards

The declaration of the ERA coincides with broader international standards for human rights. By recognizing the ERA, the U.S. takes a vital step towards fulfilling its commitments under international agreements like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which stresses the elimination of gender-based discrimination.

Biden’s proclamation represents a commitment to equality in America, aiming to align U.S. laws with those of the 85% of United Nations member states that currently guarantee equality in their constitutions. Yet, despite this progress, challenges may arise. Legal experts anticipate potential hurdles in the official ratification process amid political shifts.

Moving Forward

As Equality Now continues its mission to collaborate with lawmakers and advocates, the focus will shift to ensuring that the principles outlined in the ERA translate into actionable changes for women and girls across the country. This journey is not merely about the amendment's ratification; it is about fostering a culture where equality is both a right and a reality in every aspect of society, from workplaces to homes.

This moment reaffirms the resilience and strength of generations past, present, and future who have championed the cause of equality. The struggle for gender equality is now equipped with a powerful legal framework, one that ignites hope for a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can stand equal under the law.