What was the primary goal of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

The primary goal of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was to guarantee equal rights regardless of sex. Introduced in Congress in 1923 and passed in 1972, the ERA aimed to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas, thereby ensuring that women would have the same legal rights as men. This was a significant step in the broader women's rights movement, as it addressed systemic inequality and sought to enshrine gender equality into the U.S. Constitution.

While ensuring equal pay for women, providing maternity leave, and securing voting rights for women are important women's rights issues, these are specific aspects of broader gender equality concerns rather than the overarching aim of the ERA itself. The amendment specifically focused on the equal treatment of individuals under the law, which encompasses a wide range of rights and protections against gender-based discrimination.