Bill > H0475

This Concurrent Resolution formally ratifies a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aims to guarantee equal rights for men and women under the law. The resolution acknowledges that the ERA was first approved by Congress in the early 1970s and sent to states for ratification, with an initial seven-year deadline that was later extended to 1982. It also notes recent efforts in Congress to remove this deadline and emphasizes the ongoing importance of constitutional equality for men and women, as seen in many other nations. By ratifying this amendment, the Florida Legislature is asserting its authority, as outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to approve changes to the federal Constitution and is sending certified copies of this action to various federal officials. The ERA itself states that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or any state based on sex, and grants Congress the power to enforce this provision through legislation, with the amendment taking effect two years after ratification.