Jimmy Carter

“ I personally believe that ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment can be the single most important step in guaranteeing all Americans-both women and men-their rights under the United States Constitution. ”

“ This major step toward full equality for women has already been taken by 35 states, representing seventy-two percent of the population of this Nation. Only three more states must ratify the Equal Rights Amendment before it becomes a part of the Constitution. I believe this is too important and far-reaching an issue for arbitrary time barriers to limit full debate and an ultimate decision that truly reflects the will of the American people. In a society that is free, democratic and humane, there can be no time limit on equality. ”

“ This was the successful culmination of the struggle of the American Women's Suffrage movement. The right to vote, to participate in the process of framing the laws under which we all live, is fundamental. ”