We must pass Prop 1 to protect abortion in New York State

To the editor:

The presidential race isn’t the only issue on the ballot with immense implications this November.

The New York Equal Rights Amendment, named Prop 1 by the board of elections, will be the first of five ballot proposals on the back of your ballot. Prop 1 is an amendment to New York State’s constitution that adds explicit protections for abortion and people who experience discrimination. 

Currently, the state constitution contains protections against discrimination based on race and religion, excluding a myriad of groups that also need protection. This amendment would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on a person’s ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex — including their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

You may not have heard a lot about Prop 1. At a moment in time when we are seeing Republican politicians use state governments and courts to walk rights backwards, we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to protecting New Yorkers’ reproductive freedom and our vulnerable neighbors, friends and family members. 

Lines may be long at the polls this November, but it is crucial we all flip over our ballots and vote yes on Prop 1.

Voters may be unaware of the full range of issues at stake this election, with much of the attention focused on the presidential race. Others may believe our reproductive freedoms are secure in New York, but they won’t be fully protected until Prop 1 is passed.

We urge you to join us in supporting this state constitutional amendment by flipping your ballot on Nov. 5 and voting yes on Prop 1. You can learn more and get involved at nyequalrights.org. 

Morgan Evers, outgoing state committee member, 81st Assembly District 

Abigail Martin, district leader, 81st Assembly District