38. Read about the status of the Equal Rights Amendment at this link. Why do you think the amendment has faced such opposition, even today?
The Equal Rights Amendment, which was first proposed in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, has faced significant opposition primarily from conservative groups and lawmakers who argue that the amendment would undermine traditional gender roles, family structures, and potentially lead to unintended consequences such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the erasure of gender-specific policies that provide protections for women.
Additionally, some opponents of the ERA believe that it is unnecessary or redundant, as they argue that women are already protected from discrimination under existing laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Others have raised concerns about the potential impact of the ERA on issues such as abortion rights, parental and childcare laws, and military service requirements for women.
Overall, the opposition to the ERA reflects deeply entrenched beliefs and cultural attitudes about gender roles and the perceived threat that gender equality poses to traditional societal norms.