by Roslyn Tyler

Virginia’s legislature has an amazing opportunity this year to impact the whole nation. Virginia will be considering the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which could potentially result to an amendment to the United States Constitution. The Equal Rights Amendment is a piece of legislation declaring that, “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 Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution, passed in United States Congress in 1972, BUT has not been ratified into the United States Constitution because it requires 38 of 50 states to ratify into the Constitution. When the Senate and the House of Delegates pass this legislation, Virginia will become the 38th state needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment into the United States Constitution. 

The Equal Rights Amendment provides a very fundamental equalities for women in society that must be solidified by law. Although the landscape of modern society appears more progressive regarding women’s rights and equality, governmentally, the correct steps must be taken to ensure equal rights nationwide.

The battle for equal rights in legislatures around the United States has spanned nearly 47 years since Congress’ approval, but the actual battle has endured for around 96 years now. I support the Equal Rights Amendment because women deserve all the same rights afforded to men under constitutional law. 

With the support of many other legislators and myself, all genders will gain protections under the law for equal rights. In the House, I will support the advancement of the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia’s General Assembly, and sequentially, the whole nation. Currently, Virginia’s push for the Equal Rights Amendment was successfully voted in the Senate Privileges and Elections committee with a of 8-6 vote, which advances the resolution to the full Senate.   

Should you have any concerns, please feel free to contact delegate Tyler in Richmond at delrtyler@house.virginia.gov or 804 698-1075.

ROSLYN TYLER, a Democrat, is the representative of the 75th district in Virginia.