Democrats Try a Novel Tactic to Revive the Equal Rights Amendment
New York TimesMAR 28 2023
Biden: Equal Rights Amendment Should be Seen as Ratified
Above: US Pres. Joe Biden during the Conference of Mayors in Washington, DC, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Image copyright: Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The ERA has cleared all necessary constitutional hurdles and represents the will of the American people through state ratification. The amendment would guarantee equal rights regardless of sex and strengthen protections for all Americans. It is high time that this amendment is ratified and the equal rights of all sexes are enshrined in the US Constitution.
Republican narrative
The ratification deadline established by Congress was legally binding and has long expired. Court decisions at both District and Circuit levels have confirmed the validity of these deadlines. The archivist cannot legally publish the ERA without further congressional action or court intervention. This statement carries no legal weight and is nothing more than a cynical attempt to rile up the outgoing president's base as he leaves office.