As the US braces for whatever is coming in the form of a roll-back of LGBTQ+ rights, in a landmark decision that marks a significant stride forward for reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, New Yorkers have voted in favour of Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, during the 2024 election. This pivotal amendment enshrines abortion rights within the New York State Constitution and extends protections against discrimination to those defined by gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and disability.
The text of the amendment states, “No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state… No person shall… because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights.” This comprehensive phrasing aims to ensure a broad safeguarding of rights across numerous aspects of identity and personal circumstance.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her approval of the decision, notably highlighting the importance of this development in a social media post where she affirmed, “abortion is health care.” Her remarks underscore the broader implications of Prop 1 in securing healthcare rights for individuals across the state.
The proposition was not without its opponents. The New York State GOP voiced concerns, suggesting that the amendment could infringe upon parental rights and asserting that such measures were not necessary. Despite these objections, a considerable portion of the electorate supported the measure, indicating a robust backing for the principles of equality and protection encapsulated by the amendment.
New York joins the ranks of other progressive states like Connecticut and Massachusetts, which have implemented similar constitutional amendments, marking a contrasted landscape across the United States in terms of guaranteed civil rights protections. However, numerous other states have yet to adopt equivalent measures, highlighting ongoing regional disparities in rights protection.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/what-is-proposition-1-in-new-york/ – Corroborates the details of Proposition 1, including its aim to enshrine abortion rights and extend protections against discrimination to various groups.
- https://www.nycvotes.org/whats-on-the-ballot/2024-state-and-federal-general-election/2024-ballot-proposals/ballot-proposal-1/ – Provides the text and explanation of the Equal Rights Amendment, including the protected classes and the implications of a ‘YES’ vote.
- https://abc7ny.com/post/election-day-2024-proposition-1-equal-rights-amendment-passes-new-york-abc-projects/15515033/ – Confirms the passage of Proposition 1 and its impact on abortion and LGBTQ rights, as well as the opposition’s concerns.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-proposition-1-equal-rights-act/ – Details the approval of Proposition 1, its effects on the state constitution, and the reactions from both supporters and opponents.
- https://www.fox5ny.com/election/2024-election-results-new-york-prop-1-nyc-ballot-measures – Provides election results and details on Proposition 1, including its support and opposition, and its broader implications.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/what-is-proposition-1-in-new-york/ – Explains the concerns raised by opponents, including potential impacts on parental rights and sports teams.
- https://www.nycvotes.org/whats-on-the-ballot/2024-state-and-federal-general-election/2024-ballot-proposals/ballot-proposal-1/ – Lists the organizations supporting Proposition 1 and their reasons for doing so, highlighting the protection of reproductive rights.
- https://abc7ny.com/post/election-day-2024-proposition-1-equal-rights-amendment-passes-new-york-abc-projects/15515033/ – Discusses the legal framework created by the amendment and its potential to prevent future restrictions on abortion and other rights.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-proposition-1-equal-rights-act/ – Mentions the broader national context, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the actions of other states regarding abortion rights.
- https://www.fox5ny.com/election/2024-election-results-new-york-prop-1-nyc-ballot-measures – Compares New York’s actions with other progressive states and highlights the regional disparities in civil rights protections across the U.S.
- https://abc7ny.com/post/election-day-2024-proposition-1-equal-rights-amendment-passes-new-york-abc-projects/15515033/ – Explains the significance of the amendment for personal autonomy and equality, particularly for the LGBTQ community.
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