Poverty and social exclusion represent a fundamental denial of human dignity. Economic and social rights, which include the right to health, the right to an adequate standard of living, equal access for all to public services, the right to housing, the right to work and the right to a sustainable environment, are essential to uphold such human dignity.

However, since the judgment in the Sinnott case, it is clear that our Constitution does not grant all citizens the right to enforce these critical socio-economic rights. If we want to end our two-tier society, where the extent of your wealth determines your ability to participate fully in society, then we need to change our Constitution now by providing for an Equal Rights Amendment.