State Senate approves Equal Rights Amendment

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate has approved a resolution calling for Illinois to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The measure, which needed a three-fifths majority, passed 39-11 Thursday. Six senators voted "present." It now moves to the House.

The resolution is part of an ongoing effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to say rights cannot be deprived based on sex.

A previous effort failed in the 1980s when not enough states ratified the measure. Illinois is among 15 that haven't done so.

Supporters such as Democratic Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago say it's important to press the issue until women achieve full equality.

Republican Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont voted yes, despite concerns about timing. She says it's an election-year attempt by Democrats to get women's support.