General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Question For The Class: Wouldn't This Be The Perfect Moment To Re-Introduce The ERA ??? [View all]Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)A key difference between the "Madison Amendment" and the ERA is that, in approving the ERA and sending it to the states, Congress set a deadline for ratification. The deadline was extended but still came and went without ratification having been completed.
At a minimum, there would have to be a new (and retroactive) extension. The three-state strategy thus becomes a three-state-plus-two-Congressional-majorities strategy, even assuming that such a retroactive extension would be valid.
In addition, there are four states that ratified the ERA and then rescinded their ratifications. AFAIK, the capacity of a state to rescind a ratification has never been conclusively decided. If the rescissions are given effect, then ERA adoption requires seven states plus two Congressional majorities.
And, on a side note, why does the DU spell checker accept "ratification" but red-line "ratifications"?