President Joe Biden's executive opinion on the Equal Rights Amendment comes in the final days of his presidency. Some local advocates wish he and Democrats had acted sooner.

Supporters say it is needed to protect against discrimination. Opponents argue the timetable to have it become part of the Constitution has passed.

Legal scholars say President Joe Biden might be right about the Equal Rights Amendment — but his declaration on Friday has no legal significance. In a surprise move on his way out of office, Biden proclaimed that the amendment has met the requirements for ratification and is now part of the Constitution.