Illinois Senate votes in favor of ERA

Illinois Capitol
The Illinois Senate voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment on Wednesday. (WJBC file photo)

By Greg Halbleib

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The ERA, which would amend the U.S. Constitution to protect rights regardless of gender, has not been at the forefront of political discussion since the early 1980s, when 35 states voted to ratify the measure. That’s three states short of ratification, although Nevada increased the total to 36 states with its passage last year.

The Illinois Senate voted 43-12 in favor. Senator Jason Barickman voted in favor, but Senator Bill Brady voted against the measure.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected]

 

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