To the Editor:
I am a resident of Ontario County and writing to highlight the challenges with NYS Proposition 1, which will be on the back of our ballot this election.
Proposition 1, 2024, labeled as an “Equal Rights Amendment,” amends existing NYS Constitution section 11 of article 1 to say no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state … and it
adds because of ethnicity, national origin, age, disability … sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health and autonomy.
Why don’t we know more about Prop 1? Unlike other legislation introduced, no public hearings or deliberations were held. Its language sounds nice until one realizes the broad-reaching ramifications, and purposeful vagueness.
This amendment could provide rights for illegal immigrants to receive state medical, housing, and financial support, allow minors to receive guidance in school on gender identity and sex reassignment without parental notification, allow transgendered biological males in women’s rooms, and ensure transgender biological males the right to compete on women’s sports teams.
New York voters deserve the opportunity to discuss and debate these matters and to contact their legislative officials. New York voters deserve clear description of what is included, and its far-reaching ramifications.
I care deeply about the health and well-being of our youth, and opportunities for women. This proposition should be defeated, and any further attempts at such legislation should be shelved until clarified and honestly communicated to citizens of the state.
Early voting starts Oct. 26. Please vote NO on Proposition 1.
BONNIE ROSS
Canandaigua
