The Bishops of New York State have come out against Prop 1, as expressed in their statement below.
The Bishops of New York State are urging Catholic New Yorkers to oppose Proposal One, the constitutional amendment on the ballot this November that would enshrine the right to abortion in the state Constitution, as well as potentially restricting parents’ rights to make medical and other decisions for their minor children, including so-called “gender affirming” procedures.
“This hastily written amendment is presented as a means of banning unjust discrimination against people for a range of characteristics. However, by singling out both age and gender identity and expression, it opens the door for judges to permit minor children to make life-altering decisions about their bodies without any parental approval or notification,” said Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference. “Additionally, it would make it impossible to ever pass even the most common-sense restrictions on abortion.
“New York already has robust protection of civil rights in state statute and in the Constitution, as well as in many local and county human rights laws. In fact, the Constitution already specifically guarantees to everyone the equal protection of the laws, regardless of any defining characteristic or identity. There are also extensive civil rights protections under federal law and the U.S. Constitution. There is no evidence whatsoever that this broad network of legal protections is inadequate. We believe it is always correct to oppose unjust discrimination against any individuals, but this proposal sweeps far too broadly in language and scope, and would result in far more harms than positive advancements.
“We urge all New Yorkers to oppose it.”
The Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.
The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is the official ballot issue committee opposing Prop One. To learn more and to get involved go to www.protectkidsny.com.
Statement can be found Here.
Archdiocese of New York had this to say:
“In November 2024, the voters of New York State will be asked whether they approve adding an “Equal Rights Amendment” to our state constitution. It will appear on ballots as “Proposition One”. The stated goal of this amendment is to ban unjust discrimination against persons based on a broad variety of classes and characteristics.
Despite this measure’s good intentions, it creates significant dangers to human life, families, and religious freedom. While we strongly agree with the goal of protecting all human beings from unjust discrimination, we urge people to vote against this risky amendment.”
For a closer look at the reasoning behind their statements, you can find more information Here.
Here is the Language that will be on the back of your November 5th ballot:
Section 1. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That section 11 of article 1 of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
§ 11. a. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law.
b. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law, regulation, program, or practice that is designed to prevent or dismantle discrimination on the basis of a characteristic listed in this section, nor shall any characteristic listed in this section be interpreted to interfere with, limit, or deny the civil rights of any person based upon any other characteristic identified in this section.
§ 2. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendment be submitted to the people for approval at the general election to be held in the year 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the election law.
Explanation – Matter in underscored is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted.
Read more about the Equal Rights Amendment and why you should vote “NO” HERE.
