What does the ERA say?
​The proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) states that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution apply equally to all persons regardless of their sex:
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Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification. 


What can I do to support the ERA?
There are many ways you can support the ERA and push for ratification in Illinois:
Help educate the public
            Point the way to ERA Illinois social media, and to Illinois and national websites
            Educate young voters
Identify and meet with key influencers: New Trier Republicans and New Trier Democrats 
Support the ERA Coalition. Sign up to be in the workforce and donate.              
Question candidates about ERA support at candidate forums and on their social
Track what is happening in the Illinois Senate and House
Write letters to the editor
In a few words, what should I say when someone asks me about the ERA?
The Equal Rights Amendment is all about equality under the law regardless of gender. We’ve put together some “talking points” to help you get important key messages about the ERA across:

• The ERA provides equality under the law for both women and men

We love our sons and we love our daughters and both should be treated fairly under the law

• The ERA is a nonpartisan issue

Both major parties support the ERA

• Adding the amendment to the Constitution is a statement about fairness

Where can I learn more about the ERA?
Here are some other resources that will help you learn more about the ERA:
Take a deep dive into the ERA with this  FAQ on the equalrightsamendment.org website
Check out the award-winning documentary “Equal Means Equal”
See what other Illinois communities are doing, like Bloomington-Normal and Park Ridge.
Go to the Ratify ERA Illinois Facebook page. Link to it and add your comments
For the history behind the ERA, listen to the Washington Post podcast “Episode 5 of the Constitutional Podcast: ‘Gender’”
 
Bookmark this page and come to it often. We’ll be adding more updates and resources.