Senator Patricia Spearman’s resolution ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment passed the Nevada State Senate on March 1st. On Monday, the Nevada State Assembly joined them by passing the resolution with a 28-14 party-line vote, Democrats favoring. Assemblywoman Jill Tolles, R-Reno, was the one Republican voting in favor of the resolution. The ERA returned to the Senate today for concurrence and Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the ERA!

Just as the 19th amendment characterized first wave feminism, the ERA became the symbol of the second wave, also known as the Women’s Liberation Movement. In the early 1970’s, the ERA was passed in both the House and the Senate, but was left to individual states for ratification. In order to make the ERA the 27th amendment of the Constitution, 38 states are needed ratify the amendment, and now with Nevada, only two additional states are required.

“We are hopeful that Nevada’s action will reignite and reenergize other state legislatures to move this important legislation forward and finally guarantee the rights of women and men alike in our constitution” said Donna Lent, NWPC president.

The Equal Rights Amendment would allow women equal rights and protections constitutionally provided to men, including in job opportunities, pay equity, education, and health care. For too long, women and, in particular, women of color, the LGBTQ community, and women with disabilities have been left out of this country’s commitment to justice under law. The ratification of the ERA is long over due, and would bring the United States closer to achieving inclusivity and true equality for all people.