RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Equal Rights Amendment is advancing in the Virginia Legislature, where Democratic leaders have pledged it will pass.
A Senate committee on Thursday approved a resolution to ratify the gender equality measure that could become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The vote was 10-5 with one Republican committee member joining Democrats in voting for the measure.
ERA advocates say it will enshrine equality for women into the Constitution, offering stronger protections in sex discrimination cases.
Opponents warn it will erode commonsense protections for women and advance abortion access. Even if Virginia becomes the decisive 38th state to ratify the ERA, court battles are expected.
