Status of measure enshrining gender equality in law remains ambiguous despite president’s declaration

Joe Biden announced on Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment should be considered a ratified addition to the US constitution, inserting himself into a long-running legal battle over gender equality just days before he is set to leave office.

“It is long past time to recognize the will of the American people,” Biden said in a statement. “In keeping with my oath and duty to Constitution and country, I affirm what I believe and what three-fourths of the states have ratified: the 28th Amendment is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law regardless of their sex.”