Joint Resolution Proposing the Equal Rights Amendment
3/22/1972
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The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 by Susan B. Anthony’s nephew, Congressman Daniel R. Anthony. Drafted by Alice Paul, a leader in the fight for women’s rights, it was proposed as a way to end discrimination against women.
This Constitutional amendment was reintroduced at every subsequent session of Congress for 49 years. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary, and some believed it destructive of the family.
In 1972 the amendment passed both houses of Congress and was submitted to the State legislatures on March 22, 1972 for ratification. (The joint resolution, a formal opinion adopted by both houses of the legislative branch, is shown here. A constitutional amendment must be passed as a joint resolution before it is sent to the states for ratification.)
When the deadline for ratification by the state legislatures passed in 1982, It was three states short of the required 38 (three-fourths of the States). It remains unratified.
This Constitutional amendment was reintroduced at every subsequent session of Congress for 49 years. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary, and some believed it destructive of the family.
In 1972 the amendment passed both houses of Congress and was submitted to the State legislatures on March 22, 1972 for ratification. (The joint resolution, a formal opinion adopted by both houses of the legislative branch, is shown here. A constitutional amendment must be passed as a joint resolution before it is sent to the states for ratification.)
When the deadline for ratification by the state legislatures passed in 1982, It was three states short of the required 38 (three-fourths of the States). It remains unratified.
This primary source comes from the General Records of the United States Government.
National Archives Identifier: 7455549
Full Citation: Joint Resolution of March 22, 1972, 86 STAT 1523, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Relative to Equal Rights for Men and Women; 3/22/1972; H.J. Res. 208, 27th Amendment [Proposed 27th Amendment]; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789 - 2011; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/equalrights-amendment, February 1, 2023]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
