In Pursuit of Equity: The Ongoing Struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment

The Path to Equality: From Discharge Petition to Constitutional Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was first proposed in 1923 and was aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of their gender. However, it wasn't until 1970 when Representative Martha Griffiths (D-MI) filed a version of the amendment that the ERA gained momentum in Congress. Griffiths' version of the ERA was able to push the amendment out of the House Judiciary Committee, which had blocked it for over a decade, and brought it to a vote on the House floor. Griffiths' tenacity and leadership paved the way for the eventual passing of the ERA in March 1972. The ERA was then sent to the states for ratification, but despite receiving widespread support, it fell short of the required number of ratifications by the deadline. Nevertheless, Griffiths' contribution to the ERA movement remains significant, as her version of the amendment proved to be a crucial turning point in the battle for women's rights in the United States. Today, Griffiths' legacy continues to inspire and motivate advocates for gender equality, who are still working to secure equal rights for all Americans.

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