A joint resolution establishing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

# Summary of SJRES 38: Equal Rights Amendment Ratification **What the Bill Would Do** This joint resolution seeks to officially ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. The ERA states: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." If passed by Congress and ratified by the states, it would become part of the U.S. Constitution and provide a constitutional basis for addressing sex-based discrimination in federal and state laws. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would affect all Americans by potentially strengthening legal protections against sex discrimination in areas like employment, education, healthcare, and family law.

The resolution is currently in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate congressional committee for review and debate but has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate. The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. **Context** The ERA was originally proposed in 1923 and passed Congress in 1972, but never received the required number of state ratifications. This resolution represents an effort to move forward with its adoption as constitutional law.