The Equality Amendment Passes for a Second Time, on its Way to Becoming Enshrined in the State Constitution
This week, people across the state gathered in support of protecting New Yorkers from discrimination through the advancement of the Equality Amendment (A.1283).
I am proud to have voted to pass this resolution to memorialize in our State Constitution protections against discrimination based on an individual’s ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care decisions. Current constitutional protections already include protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or creed; this amendment builds on and reaffirms our commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from unjust and prejudicial treatment on the basis of their identity.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s devastating decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last June, enshrining reproductive rights in our State Constitution is paramount. This measure builds on New York’s record of protecting people’s fundamental right to choose.
Here in the Assembly, my colleagues have fought to codify Roe v. Wade into State law. Last year, the Assembly also passed laws to protect health care providers and patients from other states’ attempts to limit lawful access to abortion in New York State (Chs. 218, 219, 220, 221, and 222 of 2022). As a new member of the Assembly, it is my honor to join them in this fight.
What does the passage of the Equality Amendment mean for you? Now having passed both houses of the Legislature for a second consecutive year, the Equality Amendment will go before voters as a ballot referendum in November 2024.
As your representative, I am committed to fighting for your rights and to ensuring that all New Yorkers may live free from discrimination.
Sincerely,
MaryJane Shimsky
Assemblymember 92nd District
No comments:
Post a Comment