NBJC Applauds President Biden’s Declaration Affirming the Equal Rights Amendment
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON –Dr. David J. Johns, CEO and Executive Director of the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s declaration that he considers the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution as the law of the land:
“President Biden’s declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment is the law of the land represents a noteworthy milestone in our nation’s ongoing struggle for equity and justice. The National Black Justice Collective has long fought to affirm the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, recognizing that true equality cannot exist without explicitly enshrining protections against sex-based discrimination. While Congress and the courts must still act to lift the ratification deadline and clear the remaining hurdles, the ERA is one step closer to reality.
“The significance of this declaration cannot be overstated, particularly for LGBTQ+ people. The Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County decision, which affirmed that ‘sex’ discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, underscores how the ERA would extend critical protections to LGBTQ+ people. The affirmation of the Equal Rights Amendment is a victory for women’s rights and for everyone who has faced discrimination based on who we are or whom we love.
“The ERA’s recognition as the law of the land is especially critical as we face an unprecedented wave of anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including bills targeting trans athletes, bathroom access, and the very right to exist as one’s authentic self. Explicit constitutional protections under the ERA would provide a critical tool to combat these discriminatory efforts and ensure that all people—regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation—are treated with dignity and respect.
“Today, we celebrate this progress while recognizing that our work is far from over. We call on Congress and the courts to finish the job by formally lifting the ratification deadline and securing the ERA’s rightful place in the Constitution. We also call on all Americans to stand with us in this fight, recognizing equality for all.
“The National Black Justice Collective remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing policies that promote justice and equity for Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities and all marginalized people. Together, we can and will achieve a future where equal rights are declared and fully realized.”