Judge dismisses lawsuit by Democratic AGs to recognize ERA

(AP) - A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by three Democratic state attorneys general seeking to force the federal government to recognize Virginia’s vote last year to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The lawsuit dismissed by a federal judge Friday sought to add the amendment to the Constitution.

After Virginia became the 38th to ratify the amendment that supporters say will guarantee women equal rights under the law, the archivist of the United States declared he would take no step to certify the amendment’s adoption.

The archivist noted Congress enacted a ratification deadline for the ERA that passed decades ago.

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says he’s considering an appeal.

(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)

Submit a news tip.