Illinois becomes 37th state to approve ERA

May 31, 2018 By Lisa Misner

The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) was approved, 72-45, by the Illinois House in a nighttime vote on May 30. The vote does not need the approval of Governor Bruce Rauner who said he supports equal rights. The Senate approved SBRCA4 in April.

Supporters say the ERA, if ratified into the US Constitution, would provide full gender equality; opponents say it would expand abortion opportunities and eliminate protections women receive under current laws.

Illinois became the 37^th state to ratify the amendment. To become the 28^th amendment to the United States Constitution, two-thirds or 38 states would need to ratify the ERA. The deadline passed in 1982 with 35 states giving their approval. Nevada became the 36^th state in 2017. Supporters expect Congress to extend the deadline should 38 states ratify the ERA.

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