The state Senate has rejected a resolution saying that North Dakota’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment expired in 1979.
The house had earlier passed it.
The ratification passed in 1975.
Sen. Kristin Roers (R-Fargo) urged her colleagues to vote “no.”
"The only thing this resolution does is create negative press for this body," Roers told the Senate. "I hope you can join me in voting 'nay' on this resolution, making the statement that we believe that all people should have equal protection under the law. All people."
Sen. David Clemens (R-West Fargo) pushed for approval.
"This amendment refers to sex," Clemens told the Senate. "It does not refer in the wording to women. And we all know that what was meant as a woman 40 years ago doesn't mean that anymore. A lot of people don't even know what sex they are anymore."
Sen. Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) pointed out that in 1983, the Legislature passed a measure declaring the seven-year window to have the ERA ratified had expired. Holmberg said that resolution – of which he was a prime sponsor – also called on Congress to re-ratify an ERA and send it to the states.
"We've been there, and we've done that," Holmberg said. "As Macbeth might opine, 3037 is a resolution full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
A recorded roll call vote was not taken.
