Urges for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment
Summary
HCR14 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging federal action on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The resolution recites the history of the ERA’s 1972 proposal, argues that the amendment has already satisfied Article V’s ratification requirements because three-fourths of the states have ratified it, and contends that Congress’s original ratification deadline was not part of the amendment text and therefore should not prevent publication of the ERA as the 28th Amendment. It also asserts that ratification under Article V is final and cannot be rescinded, citing historical examples and legal authorities to support that view.
The resolution does not change Missouri statutory law or create new state regulatory requirements. Instead, it is a formal expression of the General Assembly’s position and a request that the President, Congress, the Archivist of the United States, and other states act to recognize the ERA as part of the U.S. Constitution. It also directs the House Chief Clerk to prepare copies for specified federal and state officials.
Impact
HCR14 has no direct effect on Missouri statutes, agency rules, or private legal obligations. Its practical impact is political and symbolic: it places Missouri on record in support of recognizing the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment and encourages similar resolutions in other states. The resolution is aimed at federal constitutional recognition rather than state-law implementation, so any legal effect would depend on future federal action or broader constitutional developments.
Sentiment
The bill appears strongly supportive of the Equal Rights Amendment and reflects an affirmative, advocacy-oriented sentiment. The language is resolute and declarative, emphasizing constitutional interpretation, historical precedent, and the view that the ERA has already met the requirements for adoption. No committee testimony or vote record is provided here, so the available context shows only the resolution’s pro-ERA position rather than any recorded opposition or bipartisan negotiation.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether the ERA can still be recognized despite the original congressional ratification deadline. Supporters of HCR14 argue that the deadline was not part of the amendment text submitted to the states, that ratification cannot be rescinded, and that the ERA has already met Article V requirements. Opponents of this view would likely argue that the deadline is legally binding, that the amendment expired, or that additional congressional or state action is necessary before publication. The resolution also implicitly contests the authority of Congress or the Archivist to treat the ERA as adopted without further formal steps.