It's Time to Pass the ERA

Michelle Thorne wrote a great letter to the editor that was published in today's Chicago Tribute. Here is the text:The Equal Rights Amendment is easy to endorse: “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’s a statement of fairness. It’s apple pie and the Fourth of July.Equality is another way of saying the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you.” The Golden Rule is in every major religion.The ERA is about family — our love for sons and daughters and the importance of treating each fairly.Most arguments against the ERA come from the yellowed scripts of the ’70s — both genders participating in the military, parenting, sports, family earnings. History responded, without an ERA. Other arguments are not even directly related to equal rights. As in the ’70s, the main tactics of ERA opponents are scaremongering and misinformation. There are ERA-type provisions in the constitutions of more than 20 states — including Illinois — and despite warnings, the sky has not fallen.Because of the ERA champions of the ‘70s, there exists a patchwork of federal and state laws to protect women and men against discrimination. However, many scissors are now snipping away at America’s quilt. We need the ERA — ensuring equality of rights — sewn directly into the Constitution, the all-encompassing blanket of our country’s laws.It’s time to ratify the ERA.Here is the link to the article:http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-era-illinois-gender-discrimination-20180425-story.html