Prop 1 passes in NY state, cementing abortion rights in state constitution

Proposition 1, an amendment to enshrine termination rights successful New York state’s constitution, passed Tuesday, according to the AP, coming to the alleviation of authorities Democrats aft a rockier-than-expected rollout. 

Democrats placed the alleged Equal Rights Amendment connected the ballot partially successful the hopes of boosting voter turnout for the statesmanlike and legislature races.

The ballot proposal volition adhd language to the constitution that says nary 1 tin beryllium denied civilian rights due to the fact that of nationalist origin, age, disability, intersexual orientation, sex individuality oregon expression, gestation — oregon “reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

Protesters clasp competing signs extracurricular Manhattan national tribunal during an abortion-rights objection successful New York, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon, File)

As of Tuesday evening, implicit 72% of voters voters for the amendment, with conscionable implicit 30% of the votes successful truthful far.

The proposal’s vague connection and limited elector outreach made the amendment little of a roar to Democrats than they had hoped.

The wide connection opened the doorway to attacks from right-wing opponents who reason the amendment would besides let transgender athletes to play connected girls’ sports teams and person linked the proposal to the migrant crisis, saying the amendment would let migrants to vote. 

Transgender student-athletes are already capable to enactment connected sports teams that align successful accordance with their gender. Voting is determined not by nationalist root but by citizenship status, truthful the amendment is precise improbable to person immoderate interaction connected migrants’ close to vote.

Although termination is already legal successful New York done 24 weeks of pregnancy, authorities lawmakers voted to enactment the connection connected the ballot aft the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark determination to overturn Roe v. Wade.

New York is among respective states with abortion-related amendments connected the ballot this cycle, though astir states did not instrumentality the Empire State’s roundabout attack of penning the amendment arsenic an anti-discrimination measure. 

New York City voters besides considered five different proposals connected their ballots.

Originally Published: November 5, 2024 astatine 9:51 PM EST