Proposed Constitutional Amendment - Proposition 1 - to be Considered by Voters on November Ballot

(White Plains, New York) – This year’s November ballot will include a proposed amendment to the New York State Constitution, named the Equal Rights Amendment, which, if approved, would amend the Constitution to protect against unequal treatment on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy. The Equal Rights Amendment would enshrine the right to abortion in the State Constitution. If the amendment is not approved, the state constitution will be left as it currently is. 

The Equal Rights Amendment passed both houses of the New York State Legislature in two consecutive sessions, as required by law. The measure now goes before voters for their consideration. 

The New York State Constitution currently only provides protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, and religion. This amendment would extend that protection to include age, gender, disability status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy outcomes, among others.

Prop 1 has been endorsed by the New York City Bar Association and the New York Civil Liberties Union. For more information, please visit your local Board of Elections. 

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I encourage all New Yorkers to make their voice heard on this matter by flipping their ballot over and voting on this constitutional amendment.” 

To watch the informational webinar hosted by Senator Mayer and sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment, Senator Liz Krueger, click here.