Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia

The U.S. Constitution guarantees our right to bear arms but it, unfortunately, doesn't guarantee equal rights for women.

That's why - in 1972 - the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was submitted as a proposed amendment by Congress to be voted on by the states. The amendment missed becoming part of our Constitution by 3 votes. For 10 years it saw extension after extension until it finally reached its deadline without being ratified.

But that hasn't stopped some groups from pushing for their states to ratify it anyway. In fact, the ERA was ratified by Nevada last year. Now women's rights activists in Virginia want their state to take up the matter in 2018 after it was it was scuttled last year under a VA legislature with a wide Republican majority - something that doesn't exist this year.

Whether or not the ratification of the ERA in Virginia will get it closer to becoming a constitutional amendment is unclear. However, activists argue that the 27th amendment was ratified a full 203 years after it was introduced and thus sets a precedent that the ERA, once ratified by 38 states, should go into effect.

Right now America is experiencing an important moment of empowerment for women from all walks of life. The #METOO movement has emboldened women to tell their stories and the Women's' March has breathed new life into the fight for women's rights. Yet, even today we still live in a country that refuses to affirm the equality of all Americans men and women.

Please sign the petition and ask the Virginia legislature to ratify the ERA and bring equality for all one step closer to reality.