Question: Why did church leaders oppose the Equal Rights Amendment?

Answer:

It may seem that because the Church opposed the "Equal Rights" Amendment, that the Church opposed equal rights for women. In fact, the Church did not oppose equal rights for women, but rather was opposed to other believed consequences of the ERA. The Church not only did not believe that the ERA would help in furthering equality, but felt that it would have negative consequences for women's well-being and family unity.

The Church's Stance on Equal Rights

Church leaders have spoken out against inequality in several occassions and have never condoned abuse or oppression. Men and women are seen as equally important in the plan of salvation, the happiness and fulfillment of both being equal priorities.

Blurring of Family Roles

The Church felt that equality could be obtained without trying to blur the distinctions between men and women. Leaders and members felt that women might lose rights specific to women, for instance, the right to depend on her husband financially and stay at home caring for her children. There was a lawsuit won by a husband who didn't feel he should support his ex-wife and children based on equal rights legislation.

Were Church Members Allowed to Support the ERA?

Church members were urged to help in the anti-ERA campaign, but were under no consequence if they did not, or if they even campaigned for the ERA. Sonia Johnson, a feminist and ERA activist who was excommunicated around this time. She often cites her stance on ERA to be the reason for her excommunication, however, her excommunication followed three speeches given which were openly against the Church and its leadership.