By Hank Russell
The New York State Republican Committee is calling on New York residents to vote down the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which goes up for a vote in the state on November 5.
Proposition 1, also called the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), contains modified language which protects a woman’s right to an abortion, plus provides equal protection to those based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
The ERA was introduced by Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright (D-Yorkville). In an artice she wrote for WILS Connect, which is published by the New York State Bar Association’s Women in Law Section, Seawright emphasized the necessity to vote for this referendum.
“[T]he fact is we need broader safeguards against discrimination,” Seawright wrote. “Our state statutes in place today can be superseded significantly more easily than overturning the enshrining of equal rights in our state constitution. We stand at a critical moment for equal rights. As courts and legislatures across America strip away women’s rights, harm LGBTQ+ individuals, and create challenges for people with disabilities, the time has come for New York to legally recognize the equality of all its residents.”
The New York State Republican Committee said the Democrat-dominated Legislature is confusing voters into thinking that, if the amendment fails, abortion will be illegal in New York. The group pointed out that abortion was made legal in the state in 1970 and the 2019 Reproductive Health Act expanded abortion rights.
“Partisan Democrats think, by falsely portraying abortion rights as under threat they will inspire enhanced voter turnout for their side,” the New York GOP stated on its website. “It is a cynical move, but one with alarming implications.”
On May 7, the State Supreme Court ruled that the state Legislature did not properly follow procedure on amending the state constitution and the proposed amendment would be struck from the ballot, only for the state Appellate Court to overturn the decision.
On July 31, the state Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s ruling. This means, according to Attorney General Letitia James, voters will be able to go to the polls and vote on the ERA.
“This commonsense provision will help protect New Yorkers’ access to basic human rights, including abortion care, by recognizing them in the State Constitution,” James said. “I am proud of my team’s efforts to ensure the ERA is able to move forward and that the citizens of New York are empowered to vote on this measure and protect themselves and future New Yorkers from discrimination.”
The New York State GOP warned that the proposed ERA will have “a chilling effect” on those whose religious views don’t align with those who support same-sex marriage and offering transgender care to children. The group pointed out that Proposition 1 will allow minor children to receive gender-affirming care without parental consent, although the parents must be responsible for their children’s mental and physical well-being.
“Prop 1 will also govern free speech — for religious organizations and charitable groups providing medical, educational, and other services including adoptions and foster care,” the state Republican Committee stated. “Multiple reports exist from other states where children are being denied from loving foster care homes because of the parents’ religious beliefs on gender expression and other faith-based teachings.”
According to the organization, Prop 1 will allow boys who identify as female to play against girls who were born female. “Girls who are vying for athletic scholarships will be disadvantaged as a result. Prop 1 goes further than impacting school sports teams.”
Long Island Life & Politics recently published an opinion about the proposed ERA and noted that the proposed referendum contains language supporting transgender rights.
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