An ERA Defeat

Can the fight go on ?

Past fights in Illinois over the Equal Rights Amendment have been bareknuckle contests, with anti-ERA legislators complaining about "braless, brainless broads." In contrast, last week's debate in the state's house of representatives was a civilized affair. The battle seemed to be over; proponents thought they had the votes to win. Republican Governor James Thompson had been lobbying for support. So too had the powerful Cook County Democratic machine. Thus some 400 spectators, including the Governor's wife, who wore a pro-ERA button, were in an optimistic mood as they crowded into the gallery.

But when the red and green lights flashed the vote on two big electronic scoreboards in the chamber, ERA backers were shocked. The tally was 101 to 64 in favor, six short of the three-fifths majority needed for passage.

The main reason for the defeat was the surprise defection of five black representatives from Chicago, all members of the black caucus, who angrily abstained from the vote. Complained Representative Charles Gaines: "No one took us seriously. They counted our votes. But we have been ignored while they romanced every other voting bloc in the house." The caucus members were upset over a deal engineered by ERA lobbyists with another black representative, James C. Taylor. He agreed to back the amendment in return for being named co-sponsor of the bill, thereby improving his chances of being named assistant majority leader next year.

The next day three resolutions were introduced in the house that could bring ERA up for another vote, perhaps this week. Still, victory is far from certain. Explains Thompson: "It'll be hard for me to go back to the Republicans who stuck out their necks. You can only go to the well just so often."

But time is running out for the amendment. Supporters have only until next March 22 to pick up the three states needed for ratification, and the tide is running against ERA. Proponents are asking Congress to extend the deadline by another seven years. Last week a House judiciary subcommittee approved the extension, which is also supported by the Carter Administration. But Sponsor Don Edwards of California figures that the full committee lines up against the measure by 18 votes to 16. To put more pressure on Congress, the National Organization for Women is planning a mass march in Washington July 9. Declares NOW President Ellie Smeal: "We are more determined, more intent, more serious than ever. We will make it clear that ERA is not just going to go away."

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