Which activist successfully led opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

Which activist successfully led opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

• A. Betty Friedan
• B. Phyllis Schlafly
• C. Gloria Steinem
• D. Alice Paul

Answer: (B)

Opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment was led by Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative activist who organized the STOP ERA campaign. Schlafly argued that an ERA would upend traditional gender roles, weaken the family, and have unintended consequences such as women being drafted or forced into gender-neutral expectations in marriage and work. She built a broad grassroots network of housewives, religious groups, and other conservative supporters, using rallies, publications, and political pressure to persuade state legislatures to reject the amendment. Her organized, nationwide effort helped block ratification in enough states, contributing to the ERA not being adopted despite broad support from some feminist leaders who advocated for equality. Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem were prominent feminists who championed the ERA, while Alice Paul had originally introduced the ERA ideas earlier in the century. Schlafly’s campaign is the reason the ERA faced strong organized opposition and ultimately did not pass.

Opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment was led by Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative activist who organized the STOP ERA campaign. Schlafly argued that an ERA would upend traditional gender roles, weaken the family, and have unintended consequences such as women being drafted or forced into gender-neutral expectations in marriage and work. She built a broad grassroots network of housewives, religious groups, and other conservative supporters, using rallies, publications, and political pressure to persuade state legislatures to reject the amendment. Her organized, nationwide effort helped block ratification in enough states, contributing to the ERA not being adopted despite broad support from some feminist leaders who advocated for equality. Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem were prominent feminists who championed the ERA, while Alice Paul had originally introduced the ERA ideas earlier in the century. Schlafly’s campaign is the reason the ERA faced strong organized opposition and ultimately did not pass.