Phyllis Schlafly

Schlafly founded STOP ERA in 1972, when the Equal Rights Amendment had passed Congress and was being ratified quickly, and built a network of conservative women, many new to politics, who lobbied state legislators with homemade bread and testimony. Ratification stalled three states short. Her Eagle Forum organisation then became a durable part of the Republican coalition, bringing religious conservative women into precinct politics. Supporters of the amendment argue she misrepresented its effects.