The NY Constitution currently protects us from discrimination based on race, color, creed or religion. In addition to protecting against racial or religious discrimination, the NY Equal Rights Amendment (NY ERA) will amend the NY Constitution to add protections from discrimination based on
• ethnicity, national origin
• age
• disability
• sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression
• pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy
and from those who might discriminate including
• any other person
• any firm, corporation or institution
• the state or any agency or subdivision of the state.
Passing the NY ERA in 2024 is critical. Although existing laws offer some coverage, the next legislature could easily change them. Protections embodied in the NY Constitution are much harder to undo. To pass a constitutional amendment, the amendment must be approved by two successive legislatures, followed by a ballot referendum carried by popular vote.
In spite of the legal challenge noted below, for the first half of 2024, we are focusing on learning about the NY ERA, and what its opponents argue against it. We are engaging our families, friends and colleagues in this effort. Passing the NY ERA in 2024 is much more important than allowing individual issues – much less baseless fear tactics – to derail it. Once the year unfolds, we will continue to spread the word and remind all voters to flip the ballot and vote YES to pass the NY ERA on November 5th. Join us!
*Note that the procedure followed in 2022 by the NYS Senate in paasing the NY ERA has been drawn into question by a decision of the Supreme Court, Livingston County on May 7, 2024. The defendants, the New York State Senate, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, as President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the Senate, the New York State Assembly, and Carl Heastie, as Speaker of the New York State Assembly (“Defendants”), appealed from that decision to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department. Oral argument on the appeal took place on June 17, 2024, and the appeal succeeded. That said, there may be yet a subsequent appeal to the New York State Court of Appeals. We will continue to update this page to keep you informed of the status of this case.
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