In late March 2006, the Democrat-led US Congress introduced the Women's Equality Amendment. This proposed amendment to the US Constitution would guarantee equal rights for women and provide a firmer legal footing for discrimination challenges. The amendment is basically the same as the Equal Rights Amendment that nearly became law in the 1970s.

The Democrats have vowed to pass it through the House and Senate in 2007, bringing the moribund issue to life for the first time in decades. This is yet another example of the energy and drive that the new leaders of Congress are bringing to social policy and politics.

It's long overdue. It's unimaginable that the US can't have as an official government policy the equal treatment of women. This is the 21st Century, at least I think it is. US lawmakers routinely criticize many Moslem countries for "backward" discriminatory policies, and so it's about time they enshrine equality domestically.

Will the amendment pass the US House and Senate, and then get ratification from the 38 states needed to make it a law? I have no idea. But if you think this is an important issue, start sending emails to your federal and state legislators. You will have only yourself to blame if the initiative goes down in flames again.

Learn more about this author, B. B. James.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Women's Equality Amendment: It's About Time?
We want to hear your view. Write now!