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This week our partners at the Retro Report look back at the defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment.

In the spring of 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment was on a path to ratification. The amendment had broad bi-partisan support and would have "prohibited deprivation of equality of rights by the federal or state governments on account of sex."

But the amendment drew criticism from religious groups and social conservatives who feared it would diminish women's traditional roles, embolden the gay community and lead to increased abortions.

The ERA lead to a major realignment within the Republican Party that is still playing out today with the candidacy of Donald Trump.

Kathleen Hughes is a producer for Retro Report. Check out the video below: