New York’s Prop 1: Fight over abortion rights and transgender athletes

[Karah Rucker]

On November 5, New York voters will weigh in on the proposed “Equal Rights Amendment,” known as Proposition 1.

It’s a packed proposal.

And its being interpreted in very different ways depending on the political party.

Here’s the proposition –

The proposal asks voters whether they support or oppose adding language to the new york constitution that people cannot be denied rights based on their “ethnicity, national origin, age, and disability” or “sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

Democrats pushed for its place on the november ballot –

Tying it to reproductive rights – and protecting abortion access.

The amendment doesn’t explicitly guarantee abortion rights –

But could serve as a legal shield against any potential future restrictions by framing such laws as “unconstitutional discrimination” against pregnant women.

Republicans interpret “prop-1” to impact other issues –

Such as the potential of it protecting transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, stripping parental rights regarding medical decisions for children, 

Or allowing noncitizens to vote in elections.

The new york measure has garnered a lot of media attention –

The headlines – capturing the divisiveness.

“How a new york ballot measure became a battleground in the culture wars.”

“A constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the right.”

“Prop 1 supporters see more protection, opponents a trojan horse”

SUPPORTERS SAY THE INTENT BEHIND THE PROPOSAL IS IN THE WRITING –

THAT IT AIMS TO FURTHER CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS.

OPPONENTS ARGUE THE WORDING OF THE PROPOSAL COULD LEAD TO CONSEQUENCES BEYOND ITS INTENTIONS –

THAT THE PROPOSAL COULD BE USED IN LATER LAWSUITS TO PUSH AGENDAS.

Here are advertisements from both the vote yes and vote no on prop 1 campaigns –

And the contrasting messages sent to voters in the state.

“Politicians are coming to take away our freedoms. And we have one chance to permanently protect our rights in the new york state constitution. The right to an abortion. To control your own body.”

“Equal rights are already guaranteed in our state constitution. So why new, confusing language? Who gets to decide unequal treatment? That sneaky language could give biological boys the right to play in girls sports and children the right to make life changing decisions without parental consent.”

NEW YORKERS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS – A COMMITTEE BACKING PROPOSITION ONE – HAS RAISED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS –

WITH NEARLY 2 MILLION DOLLARS CASH ON HAND.

FAR EXCEEDING FUNDRAISING FOR OPPONENTS OF THE PROPOSITION.

WITH THE COALITION TO PROTECT KIDS HAVING 46 THOUSAND DOLLARS CASH ON HAND.

THE FUNDS – HEAVILY FAVORING THE “YES ON PROP 1” CAMPAIGN.

BUT WHETHER OR NOT THE LANGUAGE IS UPDATED IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION – COMES DOWN TO THE VOTERS ON NOVEMBER 5TH.

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