New York state Republicans are coming together to oppose the Equal Rights Amendment, also known as Prop 1, on the upcoming November ballot.
The state lawmakers have passed the proposed amendment twice, which aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Additionally, the amendment seeks to protect the right to have an abortion, although it does not explicitly mention the word “abortion.” Despite facing several court challenges, the amendment has managed to withstand them all throughout the year.
Former Republican Congressional candidate Liz Joy, who challenged Representative Paul Tonko for the 20th district seat in 2020 and 2022, voiced her concerns about the potential infringement on parental rights if the amendment to the state constitution is approved. Joy expressed her views outside Schenectady City Hall on Monday.
Joy stated that minors under the age of 18 have the right to undergo medical treatments and procedures, including gender transitions, gender transition drugs, and surgeries, without requiring parental consent.
The state constitution presently prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, or religion.
In June, an appellate court overturned the ruling of an upstate judge who had previously struck down the amendment on technical grounds. As a result, the amendment will now be included on the November ballot.
According to Darlene Harris, the Chair of the Schenectady County Republican, this is seen as an assault on women’s rights.
According to Harris, the new policy would grant biological males access to spaces and opportunities that were originally designated for girls and women. This includes sports, locker rooms, bathrooms, and even sororities.
During a recent interview, Harris was questioned about her stance on transgender athletes.
According to Harris, there doesn’t seem to be a strong push from trans men to compete in men’s sports. Therefore, the discussion and situation surrounding this issue have not fully developed yet.
According to Claudia Cavanagh, a member of the local Republican party, the amendment would set a dangerous precedent.
“The demon is slowly making its way into our midst, and if we don’t put a stop to it, the entire system will be compromised. It’s absolutely crucial that we don’t allow men to participate in women’s sports. It’s a matter of fairness and preserving the integrity of these competitions. I find it puzzling that during the controversy surrounding men competing in women’s sports, there was a lack of support from the Me Too movement. Where were those women who had spoken up against inappropriate behavior and harassment? Their silence was deafening.”
State Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, who represents the 112th District encompassing part of Schenectady County, refutes the proponents’ assertions that the ERA is necessary to safeguard reproductive rights in New York.
“According to Walsh, New York has had legal abortion even before the landmark decision of Roe versus Wade. With the enactment of the Reproductive Health Act in 2019, the state now boasts some of the most progressive abortion laws in the nation. Walsh emphasized that these laws are here to stay.”
In early 2023, Liz Krueger, a Democratic state Senator from Manhattan, spearheaded the bill and advocated for it at the capitol.
According to Krueger, it is essential to establish fundamental rights constitutionally. He emphasized the importance of passing the ERA and ensuring that all 20 million individuals understand its significance.
Advocates argue that this initiative is just one of many measures being taken to safeguard reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling in 2022.
Assembly candidate Joe Mastroianni, who is running against incumbent 111th District Democrat Angelo Santabarbara, argues that the proposed amendment would extend anti-discrimination protection to 11 additional groups.
Mastroianni expressed concern about the potential dangers of age as a factor that could enable minor children to make decisions without parental consent.
The opponents of the question held a press conference as part of a statewide initiative that began on Monday.
Critics, including the good government group Common Cause New York, have raised concerns about the measure, arguing that the language used is too complex for New Yorkers to comprehend the details of what they will be voting on.
