To the editor:
Many of my neighbors are curious about the NYS Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1). They ask, “Don’t we already have enough rights in NY? Opinions differ.
While New Yorkers enjoy certain rights guaranteed in our State Constitution, we must recognize that protections against discrimination based on age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy statuses are not fully guaranteed. The rights we currently have could be eliminated by a future government that doesn’t prioritize equality. Prop 1 aims to codify and safeguard our freedoms—ensuring that ALL New Yorkers – especially the most vulnerable among us — have control over their lives, futures, and healthcare.
Some people ask, “Won’t this measure permit boys to play on girls’ sports teams and use girls’ locker rooms and vice versa?” No! That is simply NOT true! This amendment does not change existing law on these matters. This is a narrative being pushed by politicians using a small handful of innocent kids as political pawns to divide New Yorkers and distract us from what this amendment is about: protecting and guaranteeing our personal freedoms.
This amendment aims to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ New Yorkers, protect seniors from being denied employment or promotions based on age, and safeguard the rights of pregnant individuals who experience a miscarriage—a situation that, shockingly, has become grounds for legal action in some states.
When you vote this year, please remember to turn over the ballot and VOTE YES on Prop 1 to ensure protection of our personal freedoms in New York State. Passing this constitutional amendment will not change laws that are already in place. It will simply make sure that New Yorkers are not discriminated against, any time in the future.
Yours truly,
Sally Leeson
301 Third Ave
Wayland, New York 14572
