Equal Rights for Men and Women: Ratifies proposed amendment to U.S. Constitution relating to equal rights for men & women.

Why I Filed This Bill (by Representative Joseph): For over 50 years, Florida has failed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), leaving gender equality vulnerable to shifting political tides. While 38 states have taken this historic step, Florida remains one of the last holdouts, denying its residents the constitutional protections they deserve. The ERA is simple: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." This is not radical, nor is it partisan. It is about fairness, justice, and ensuring that no one’s rights are left up for debate. Without constitutional protections, gender equality remains incomplete. Existing laws are not enough; they can be repealed, weakened, or inconsistently applied. The ERA provides a permanent safeguard, ensuring that gender-based discrimination is subject to the highest level of legal scrutiny and that equal rights are fully recognized. Florida’s continued refusal to ratify the ERA contradicts the very principles of equality and justice that this nation was founded on. This is not just a legal necessity, it is a moral imperative. I filed this bill because equality under the law should not be a question; it must be a guarantee.