STOP ERA Booth at the First National Women's Conference
1977
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The 1977 National Women’s Conference was held in Houston, Texas. At the conference 2,005 state delegates recommended to Congress and the President how to advance women’s rights. Delegates adopted a 26-plank national plan, addressing issues such as career interests, rights for minority women, and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
It took 49 years for Congress to pass the ERA after it was first introduced in 1923 as a way to end discrimination against women. But getting through Congress was only half the battle. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary, and some believed it destructive of the family.
It took 49 years for Congress to pass the ERA after it was first introduced in 1923 as a way to end discrimination against women. But getting through Congress was only half the battle. Supporters believed it would provide full equality for women; opponents considered it unnecessary, and some believed it destructive of the family.
Led by Phyllis Schlafly, STOP ERA organized quickly, arguing that the ERA would hurt women and families. With a coalition of traditional family and "protectionist" supporters, STOP ERA worked to prevent ratification. In 1972 the amendment passed both houses of Congress but fell three states short of the requisite number of votes (three-fourths of states) for ratification.
This primary source comes from the Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards.
National Archives Identifier: 24520410
Full Citation: Photograph 220-WC-211A; Anti-ERA Booth at the First National Women's Conference; 1977; Photographs Used to Illustrate the Report, "Spirit of Houston: The First National Women's Conference", 1977 - 1978; Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards, Record Group 220; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/stop-era-booth, January 16, 2025]Activities that use this document
- The National Women's Conference of 1977
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