Equal rights amendment images

In one of his final acts as president, Joe Biden declared the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ratified, potentially enshrining gender equality into the U.S. Constitution as its 28th Amendment.

"It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people," Biden said.

"In keeping with my oath and duty to the Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex."

What is the Equal Rights Amendment?

First introduced by women's rights activist Alice Paul in 1923, the ERA is a succinct declaration of equality: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."

The amendment gained significant momentum in the 1970s but fell short of achieving the necessary state ratifications by the initial deadline set by Congress.

Proponents a