New York voters urged rejection of Proposition 1 on the November ballot

New York voters will consider a proposal to amend the state constitution to protect “gender identity,” but critics say this will prevent parents from having a say in whether children should undergo gender reassignment surgery and open the door to biological males playing in women’s sports.

Proposal 1, which was introduced by the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature on Nov. 5, would, if approved by voters, codify abortion rights in the state constitution and expand protections against discrimination based on race, religion and sex.

The proposal survived a legal challenge from Republican lawmakers, who sued to keep it off the ballot after it was approved for a vote by the state Supreme Court in July.

To be fair, the New York Constitution already prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, or religion, and the Constitution has some of the strongest abortion protections in the country.

The question does not specifically mention “abortion” but asks voters if they support updating the Constitution to declare that people cannot be denied rights based on their “ethnicity, national origin, age and disability.” or gender, including “sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy.”

Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who supports the amendment, said it is a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s “extreme” decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which provided federal protection for abortion.

But critics have labeled the measure a “Trojan horse” that would open the door for biological males who identify as transgender to compete with women in sports or allow minors to undergo gender reassignment surgery without parental consent.

“Proposition One would strip the legal rights of parents with school-age children to know about critically important things happening to their children, including controversial gender transformation procedures,” the Coalition to Protect Kids said in a statement. “Schools should allow biological males to participate on girls’ sports teams if voters approve this amendment.”

The opposition group Vote No on Prop 1 Committee argues that the measure would also pave the way for authorizing non-citizens to vote, make New York a “sanctuary state” by limiting cooperation with immigration officials, and radical gender ideology and diversity , would enshrine equality. and integration policies in the state constitution.

The voting committee New Yorkers for Equal Rights, which has spent more than $2.8 million over the past two years to promote the amendment, has pushed back on opponents’ claims.

“Anti-abortion donors are throwing in the big bucks in an effort to scare New Yorkers into voting against their own rights,” Sasha Ahuja, campaign manager for the voting committee, said in a statement. “Prop 1 has nothing to do with our country’s immigration laws. , and it does not grant any special rights to anyone.”

Republicans and Democrats see the proposed amendment as a way to energize voters in an election in which they will also choose a president and decide key House elections that could help determine control of Congress.

Democrats see the issue of abortion access as a wedge that could help Vice President Kamala Harris win the White House and potentially help them take control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans are also campaigning on the issue, hoping it will help incumbent members of Congress keep their seats and generate more votes for former Republican President Donald Trump in the blue state.

Recent polls have shown a majority of voters support the measure, but the surveys show opposition has increased in the New York suburbs where congressional races are taking place.