Equal rights is the key issue on which all other rights depend. Central to equal rights is the 28th Amendment, which is still languishing, fully passed and ratified, but not certified as part of the Constitution. The language is simple:
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
We talk about equal rights in terms of equal pay, equal career and leadership opportunities, and even though inequality in those areas can mean a lifetime of reduced income and even poverty, equality is inherent in every aspect of a woman’s life.
The ERA Coalition argues, “The Constitution has no explicit guarantee of equality based on sex, so courts review sex discrimination under a weaker standard than discrimination based on race or religion. Protections shift depending on who is in charge. That leaves survivors’ protections dependent on whoever holds power.”
The recent story about the fate of the Cornell student and the punishment of the male students who abused her makes abundantly clear how unequal standards fail to protect women—extending into a woman’s basic right to physical safety and security. The ERA would finally set one standard, to be upheld in the courts as the law of the land.
Women Connect4Good Founder, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, says that the ERA is at the top of her list, and in a note to colleagues said:
As a board member of the ERA Coalition, I believe gender equity and equality are more important than ever. You no doubt have heard of the campus assault of a young woman who was raped by several fraternity brothers. A Snapchat was sent to over 50 members of the fraternity that told them this young woman was ready for a good time. Seven of them showed up, but even worse, the others did nothing to stop her horrible sexual assault.
The passage of the ERA 28th Amendment) would have protected this young woman’s rights and stopped this horrific behavior. I know many of you have daughters attending various universities and would do anything to protect them. Bodily autonomy is just one piece of the 28th Amendment.
Gloria Steinem, a founding member of the ERA Coalition, fought her entire life to create equality in this world. Sadly, there is not one word in our Constitution that mentions women or guarantees equal rights based on sex. Let’s keep the battle going and help to pass the 28th Amendment and put it in our Constitution.
Thirty-eight states have ratified it. The votes are in. The ERA Coalition reminds us, “What’s missing is the political will to recognize it, and Congress has the power to act. The people we elect in November will help decide whether the ERA is finally recognized or left waiting.”
To accomplish this, the Coalition has developed the Elect Equality certification process to qualify candidates. “We have a chance to elect a Congress that will affirm the Equal Rights Amendment and make sure the ERA is finally recognized as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Elect Equality is a powerful tool for voters to know where their candidates stand on the ERA ahead of the 2026 election,” said ERA Coalition and ERA Coalition Forward President and CEO Zakiya Thomas.
ERA-certified candidates have committed to the Equal Rights Amendment. speak up in favor of it, incorporate it into their campaign policies, and support ERA legislation. They advocate for the ERA and gender equality during their campaigns and when in office. To find out if your congressional candidate is certified, check out the roster here.
For your complete voter guide, consult VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan guide, to compare candidates and ballot measures in your state. Focus on equality on November 3, and you’ll focus on voting for candidates and amendments that support you and your legal rights equally, without any consideration on account of sex.
The ERA Coalition says, “If you’re tired of a culture that excuses sexual violence, hides behind the ‘bro code,’ and shrugs it off as ‘locker room talk,’ vote sexism out. Elect a pro-ERA Congress.”