To the Editor:
In the upcoming election New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on an amendment to the New York Constitution: Proposal 1, the Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1).
You probably think we have a full ERA in the Constitution in New York State, but it only covers discrimination based on race and religion.
Prop 1 adds more protections to the Constitution: against discrimination based on age, disability, ethnicity or national origin, and sex – including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy. Prop 1 protects abortion rights and access to birth control and IVF.
New York State already has robust civil and human rights laws, but these laws could be changed or overturned, depending on who is in office.
Prop 1 does not change these existing laws; it simply takes the civil and reproductive rights we have under New York State law and makes them permanent in the New York State Constitution.
The League of Women Voters supports Prop 1 and urges a Yes vote on this amendment.
In addition, Westchester residents will be voting on Westchester County Proposition 2024-1: “Should individuals serving in the position of Westchester County Legislator serve four-year terms instead of two-year terms?” The League has not studied this and has no position, but it has been unanimously approved by Westchester County Democratic, Republican, and Conservative legislators, and would bring Westchester in line with the majority of county boards in the state.
Proposal 1 and Proposition 2024-1 are listed on the back of the ballot. Remember: flip your ballot over and vote on these measures.
Susan Maggiotto
Hastings-on-Hudson
President, League of Women Voters of the Rivertowns
