Question

for the equal rights amendment, 1970
by shirley chisholm
representative shirley chisholm, the first african american woman
elected to congress, gave this speech in support of the equal rights
amendment. she believed that the amendment would help women
win equality, both in society and in the workplace.
mr. speaker, house joint resolution 264, before us today, which
provides for equality under the law for both men and women,
represents one of the most clear - cut opportunities we are likely to
have to declare our faith in the principles that shaped our
constitution... discrimination against women, solely on the basis of
their sex, is so widespread that it seems to many persons normal,
natural and right... prejudice on the basis of race is, at least, under
systematic attack. there is reason for optimism that it will start to die
with the present older generation. it is time we act to assure full
equality of opportunity to those citizens who, although in a majority,
suffer the restrictions that are commonly imposed on minorities, to
women.
the argument that this amendment will not solve the problem of sex
discrimination is not relevant. if the argument were used against a civil
rights bill, as it has been used in the past, the prejudice that lies
behind it would be embarrassing. of course laws will not eliminate
which argument does the speech for the equal rights amendment
best support?
an equal rights amendment is needed.
an equal rights amendment would have little
effect.
an equal rights amendment should be
postponed.
an equal rights amendment would be harmful.

Explanation:

The speech by Shirley Chisholm is in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. She believed it would help women achieve equality, and the speech presents the need for such an amendment (stating it's a clear - cut opportunity to declare faith in constitutional principles and address sex - based discrimination). The other options (saying it has little effect, should be postponed, or is harmful) go against the purpose of her speech.

Answer:

An equal rights amendment is needed.