ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed a bill to send a resolution to Washington D.C., urging Congress to officially ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The amendment was first offered nearly a century ago, and embroiled in political and legal battles since it was submitted to the states for ratification over 50 years ago.
Backers also want an Equal Rights Amendment in the Minnesota Constitution, which requires a statewide referendum, but first needs legislative approval to put it on the ballot in 2024.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Democrats “really didn’t have time to work on it” this session.
“We kept ticking off high-priority-issue after high-priority issue,” Hortman said. “We don’t have to decide on constitutional amendments until next year, and because it could wait until next year, it will wait until next year.”
Among those opposing the Equal Rights Amendment are anti-abortion groups, who warn it could be interpreted to allow legal abortion without limits, including taxpayer funding.
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