(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted in support of H.J.Res 79, a bipartisan resolution to remove the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).  The ERA would amend the U.S. Constitution to guarantee women equal rights under the law.  The resolution passed the House yesterday 232-183.

The ERA states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.”

“Although women make up half of our country’s population, there is still no explicit protection of our rights under the Constitution.  The Equal Rights Amendment makes clear that no person can be discriminated against on the basis of sex,” said Congresswoman Fletcher.  “I was proud to cosponsor this resolution to remove the deadline set to ratify the ERA.  This is an important part of the path to equality for all.”

The ERA passed the House and Senate with bipartisan majorities in 1971 and 1972.  It originally contained a clause requiring that it states ratify it by 1979, a deadline that was later extended to 1982, before it expired.

Three-fourths of the states – or 38 states – are required to ratify constitutional amendments.  Last month, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA.  H.J.Res. 79 removes the 1982 deadline and takes a critical step toward ensuring the ERA becomes the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.