Virginia set to be 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment but its future is uncertain

This appeared in The Millennial Source

A historic day in Virginia’s state legislature has set the table for the state to become the 38 thstate to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). In order for the US Constitution to be amended, it has to be ratified by at least three-fourths of the states in the US, or approximately 38 of the 50 states.

Virginia’s ratification would result in the ERA having the support needed for it to be added to the US Constitution.

However, the amendment, which was originally approved by the Senate in 1972, has additional challenges. Although there are still means by which the amendment could be officially adopted, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already indicated that the ratification would not be legally binding.

Historic shifts in Virginia’s General Assembly

On November 5, 2019, Virginia held an election for its state House and Senate that resulted in the Democratic Party winning majorities in both legislative bodies, known together as the General Assembly.

The 2018 midterm elections prior to that had resulted in the victory of Democrat Ralph Northam in the governor’s…