Which activist led the movement opposing the Equal Rights Amendment?

• A. Betty Friedan
• B. Gloria Steinem
• C. Alice Paul
• D. Phyllis Schlafly

Answer: (D)

Phyllis Schlafly led the organized opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. She organized the STOP ERA campaign and built a broad conservative coalition that argued the amendment would undermine traditional gender roles and protections for homemakers, potentially affect family laws, and even force women into the military draft. Schlafly’s messaging resonated with many Americans who favored maintaining traditional gender expectations, helping defeat ratification in enough states to block the amendment by the deadline. While other well-known feminists like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem supported ERA, and Alice Paul helped draft early equal-rights measures, Schlafly’s impact came from her effective mobilization of opponents and reframing of the issue.