FOR Equal Rights Amendment (Updated)

HJR1002: Equal Rights Amendment (House State Agencies):

This resolution is set for a special order of business on Wednesday. As you know, 35 of the required 38 states have ratified this amendment to the United States Constitution. I've received several (read "hundreds") of e-mails from people telling me to read the bill very carefully, because it clearly opens the door to gay marriage and abortion on demand. I just don't see it. The exact wording of the resolution is that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the basis of sex." I see nothing here that would even remotely suggest that gay marriage or abortion is involved. It is my understanding that the last word of the proposal -- sex -- is what irks opponents of the proposal. The problem with changing it to "gender" is that the amendment has to be ratified by the states in exactly the same uniform wording. Sex is used elsewhere in the Constitution to refer to gender, and it hasn't been interpreted by the Supreme Court to mean anything but gender (I notice that the National Governor's Association sent out a sly letter to Ark. legislators in support of "equality based on gender").

I received the following e-mail today attaching the American Baptist Churches Association resolution in support of this important vote:

AMERICAN BAPTIST RESOLUTION ON THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

Female and male were created in God's image and they are co-laborers with God as stewards of all creation. The first chapter of Genesis states, "Male and female he created them, and God blessed them . . ."

Jesus defied custom and affirmed women as equal to men. In a time when women were sequestered and tradition assigned them a limited role, Jesus saw them as made in the image of God and offered them the gift of salvation (Luke 8:1-3; Luke 10:38-42; John 4:7-42). His call to discipleship challenged women and men equally to be hearers and doers of the Word (Luke 11:28).

Women such as Pricilla, Lydia and Phoebe were leaders in the early church. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit called forth sons and daughters to proclaim God's message (Acts 2:17). The Apostle Paul declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

There is discrimination against women in every sphere of life, but it surfaces dramatically in the economic sphere of life. Studies indicate that since 1955 the gap between men's and women's pay has widened. Existing laws do not provide equal protection to women and men and vary from state to state. Many of our current laws actually embody sex discrimination, and to change them would take years. A constitutional amendment would provide a uniform base for future legislation that would assure equal rights.

Historically, American Baptists have been advocates for women's equality and have affirmed the leadership gifts of women. Because of our tradition and our biblical understanding regarding the equality of women and men,

THEREFORE, be it resolved:

That the General Board of the American Baptist Churches reaffirms its continued support of a Constitutional Amendment providing equal rights to all

Am I to believe that these sneaky organizations seeking to implement gay marriage and abortion through this vote have snowed not only our Governor and all other constitutional officers into supporting this legislation but the legislatures of 35 other states, the United States Congress, and the American Baptist Churches Association? I'm not buying it. I'm proud to support equal rights to both genders, which is exactly the stated purpose -- and only purpose -- of this legislation.

Click the map to see the 35 states that have already ratified the ERA

Update (2/7, 7:15a.m.): After analyzing the committee this morning, the opponents' e-mails and phone calls have had considerable effect. The bill may not get out of committee, as some sponsors are beginning to change their minds. Sen. David Pryor will be in attendance this morning speaking in favor of the bill, and Professor DiPippa will be on hand to discuss the constitutional issues. Ought to be a fun morning, regardless of the outcome.

Update (2/7, 10:15a.m.): In the committee -- it's packed. Not an empty chair in the room. Standing ovation for Sen. Pryor. The bill is being presented now.

Update (2/7, 11:15a.m.): Questioning is in full force. It's becoming readily apparent that the bill is going to fail to get out of committee by a vote of either 10-10 or 9-11. Rep. Cheatham is out in the hall back in his seat and is listed as a sponsor. House rules require that you must be present to vote in committee.