Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement following President Biden's recent announcement regarding the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The amendment aims to ensure gender equality within the U.S. Constitution.

Durbin highlighted the long journey of the ERA, noting its century-long history and efforts by many generations of Americans. He remarked on their collective actions, including marches on Washington and meetings with legislators. In 2020, a significant milestone was achieved when 38 states ratified the ERA, meeting the requirement to certify it as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution.

Durbin emphasized, "It is past time to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex in our Constitution." He also stated that President Biden's announcement conveys "an important and overdue message to women and girls that they are equal under the law."