On Friday, President Joe Biden made a significant declaration asserting that the Equal Rights Amendment should be acknowledged as a valid ratified part of the U.S. Constitution. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the collective will of the American populace and reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution, citing that the 28th Amendment secures equal rights and protections for all citizens regardless of gender.
However, this pronouncement is largely seen as symbolic and unlikely to lead to any meaningful changes, especially with Biden's impending transition out of office for Republican Donald Trump. The amendment's ratification process does not involve the president, and the leader of the National Archives previously stated that the amendment cannot be certified because it failed to meet the ratification deadline established by Congress. On the same day, the National Archives reiterated that the legal and procedural issues surrounding the amendment remain unchanged.
A senior official within Biden's administration clarified that the president was not instructing the archivist to certify the amendment, which could have opened up a potential legal dispute regarding the separation of powers. When questioned about the timing of his statement at the end of his term, Biden stated he required a complete understanding of the situation before commenting.
Outside the National Archives, activists gathered in support of Biden’s statement, urging action from the archivist. Zakiya Thomas, the head of the ERA Coalition, urged officials to fulfill their responsibilities, while Claudia Nachega from the Young Feminist Party expressed that certifying the ERA could mark a transformative period for American society, especially in the context of a potential second Trump presidency. The Equal Rights Amendment, aimed at eliminating gender discrimination, was initially sent to the states for ratification in 1972, with various extensions of the ratification deadline occurring until 1982. It wasn't until 2020 that Virginia became the 38th state to ratify it. Because of the established deadline, the archivist has stated that Congress or the judiciary must amend this timeline for the amendment to be certified.
11 Comments
Karamba
Why is the president meddling in a process he has no control over? This is a waste of time.
Matzomaster
Biden's timing raises questions about his motives. It's too little, too late!
Rotfront
Biden needs to realize that simply declaring support doesn’t change legal realities.
Karamba
I agree in principle with equal rights, but this approach lacks any teeth or strategy.
Eugene Alta
Asserting the ERA can be certified is misleading when the legal framework doesn't support it. Let’s focus on actionable policies.
Loubianka
Biden's comments are pointless considering he won’t be in office much longer. What’s the point?
BuggaBoom
We've been through this before. The amendment hasn't changed gender equality in practice.
Katchuka
This is just an attempt to appease the feminists before he leaves. No real action will come from it.
KittyKat
It’s all just talk. The real fight for women's rights is happening at the grassroots level, not in the White House.
Noir Black
Biden's timing raises questions about his motives. It's too little, too late!
Loubianka
Asserting the ERA can be certified is misleading when the legal framework doesn't support it. Let’s focus on actionable policies.