How a N.Y. ballot measure became a battleground in the culture wars
One measure on the ballot in New York state this November means two very different things to its supporters and its opponents.
One measure on the ballot in New York state this November means two very different things to its supporters and its opponents.
The measure, Proposition 1, seeks to expand the state’s Equal Rights Amendment by adding “sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy,” as protected classes. The New York Constitution currently protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed and religion.
Advocates of the measure argue that it is simply a way to codify New Yorkers’ right to reproductive care. But, because the language of the proposition is vague and does not explicitly include the word “abortion,” opponents are arguing the measure has an ulterior motive: expanding transgender rights for minors and taking parental rights away.
The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY has taken to calling the measure the “Parent Replacement Act.” The group argues that the measure would be used to strip rights from parents and push transgender rights for minors, in particular.
The coalition alleges the measure has three main goals: deprive parents of their authority to make medical decisions for their children, allow minors to engage in transgender medical interventions without parental notice or consent, and provide schools with more control over students than their parents regarding gender-affirming care.
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