To the editor,
Early voting begins October 26. Please remember to flip over your ballot and vote Yes for Prop 1, the New York Equal Rights Amendment.
The New York City Bar Association shared a blurb on what Prop 1 will and will not do.
What Prop 1 WILL DO is establish New York State Constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability and sex including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes including the protection of abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare and IVF.
What Prop 1 WILL NOT DO is impact parental rights with respect to parental consent or parents’ ability to be involved with decision-making about healthcare or medical procedures for their minor children, including gender-affirming care.
In addition, Prop 1 WILL NOT change current law with respect to participation on sports teams. Prop 1 is consistent with Title IX, the controlling federal law that has already been interpreted by federal courts to require young people to play on sports teams that match their gender identity and expression.
In a time where there are so many efforts to restrict individuals’ rights and freedoms, New Yorkers have the opportunity to protect their freedoms in the New York State Constitution including parents’ freedom to have involvement in the well-being and care of their minor children.
This election season, flip over your ballot, and Vote YES for Prop 1 to protect your freedoms.
Sincerely,
Bettina Mayer
Croton-on-Hudson
