Essay
Pro-Con Essay
SF473(The equal rights amendment or ERA) is a bill that would guarantee equal
treatment of everyone by the state, preventing discrimination based on race or gender identity. It
is not explicitly stated in the constitution that people of different gender be favored over the other
which is a huge insecurity for women. The ERA would force cases of supposed state
discrimination to be investigated heavily. The ERA would also empower congress to pass laws
tackling systemic issues that hurt women. The ERA would also provide a stronger basis for cases
of sex discrimination and other cases of discrimination.
The bill does have a few downsides, with people arguing that it undermines gender
specific protections such as bathrooms that are segregated by gender. It is also argued that it
would undermine traditional values. Some also argue that the ERA would actually inhibit
change, as it would prevent the government from taking action on the basis of sex or other
factors. It is said that when run on a “colorblind basis” it may be ruled that certain laws are
discriminatory when in reality it is trying to make progress towards a more equal society.
Finally, it can be argued that the bill is simply redundant and that equal rights are already
protected by the constitution.