History 1972:: ERA

On this day forty five years ago in 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment is passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to the states for ratification. The amendment was first brought up by the National Woman's political party in 1923. The group wanted to have legal equality between men and women. It would also prohibit discrimination based only on sex. During the 1960's women would have a revival of their own and the amendment would be introduced into congress. Three great women: Bella Abzug representative from New York , Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem. March 1972 would see the approval of the amendment by the U.S. senate and it would then be sent to the states.

The first state to ratify the 27th amendment would be Hawaii. A year later 30 more states would approve the amendment. The mid 1970s would see a halt of the states approval.

The late 20th century would finally see the amendment passed. March 22, 1972 would see it the amendment come to be. The amendment reads :

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