January 1, This Day in History – May 28th

On May 28th, 1952, the women’s rights movement achieved a significant milestone as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The ERA aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all citizens regardless of gender and played a crucial role in advancing gender equality and protection against discrimination.

The Equal Rights Amendment had been introduced to Congress in 1923, but it faced significant challenges and years of debates before making progress. Finally, on May 28th, 1952, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the amendment by a vote of 244 to 135. The amendment then went to the Senate for consideration.

The ERA sought to address gender inequalities by ensuring 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.” It aimed to provide a constitutional guarantee of equal rights and equal protection for women in various aspects of society, including employment, property rights, and access to education.

While the ERA gained significant support, it also faced opposition from some groups who expressed concerns about potential changes to traditional gender roles and legal implications. The amendment failed to receive the necessary approval from three-fourths of the state legislatures and did not become part of the U.S. Constitution.

Nevertheless, the passage of the ERA by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 28th, 1952, remains a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It represents a pivotal step forward in recognizing the importance of equal rights and sparked conversations that continue to shape the fight for gender equality to this day.