ERA: Love for sons and daughters

We love both our sons and daughters. The Equal Rights Amendment provides fairness to each of them. The ERA does not erase their differences, but requires a very good reason - called a "compelling state interest" - for any differences in how the law treats them. In a family, being fair to each individual member is how we show love.

"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This is the ERA.

Why do we need the ERA? As was noted by the late Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsburg, the current U.S. Constitution - other than the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote - does not specifically include women. Consequently, courts treat sex discrimination cases less seriously than other discrimination cases. There are federal laws prohibiting sex discrimination, but Congress can repeal them. The constitutions of over 20 states - including Illinois - have ERA-type provisions, but they extend only to state matters, not federal.

Every major religion includes the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That's an important tenet of any faith. That's equality.

The ERA provides equal rights under the law to sons and daughters and belongs in the U.S. Constitution, the supreme law of our land.

Illinois citizens will not get to vote on the Equal Rights Amendment - although surveys show that over 90 percent of Americans support the ERA. We will, however, get to vote on who represents us. Ask your legislators whether they support equal rights for both sons and daughters. We model the fairness we show our children.

Michele H. Thorne

Wilmette