Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement recognizing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: 

“Women are equal. What a simple phrase and concept. Nevertheless, it has taken 53 years for that to be enshrined in our Constitution. The ERA must become the law of the land. President Biden's declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is the 28th Amendment to the Constitution marks a historic step forward in the fight to make sure that no one in this country is discriminated against based on their sex.”

“For generations, women have fought tirelessly to make sure that our Constitution explicitly guarantees equal rights for all. The Equal Rights Amendment is more than words on a page—it is a commitment to equal pay for equal work, protections against gender-based violence, and the dignity and opportunity that every woman, every family, and every individual deserves. As a woman, a mother, and Chair of the largest-ever Democratic Women’s Caucus, I commend this step as a testament to the power of persistence and progress.” 

“We will continue the work to make sure that the amendment is officially ratified so these rights are protected and implemented in every corner of America.”

The Equal Rights Amendment, first introduced in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1972, was ratified by three-fourths of the states with Virginia’s approval in January 2020. The ERA guarantees that equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex. 

Background

President Biden’s declaration follows guidance from the American Bar Association and constitutional scholars affirming that the ERA has met all necessary requirements to become part of the U.S. Constitution. 

The announcement honors the will of the American people and reaffirms that equality should not just be a promise, but a constitutional guarantee.