I've been an American living in Germany since 1972 and truly appreciate the democratic freedoms and standards that are protected under the German Grundgesetz or Basic Law. I fully support the ERA amendment to the US Constitution because it clearly and emphatically supports equal rights for all men and women. It is important that this amendment be enshrined in the Constitution to guard against unfair, arbitrary discriminating and biased acts and practices as well as violence against women. It would protect the equal rights of both men and women and people of gender. I am opposed to the efforts of those few states objecting to the ERA amendment based on technical questions, spurious deadline obstacles or reasons of form. It begs the question as to the motive why those states object to equal rights for all residents. Jane, living in Germany, voting in Illinois