New Yorkers will be asked to enshrine abortion as a fundamental right in the state constitution come November. It is Proposal Number One and ironically entitled the “Equal Rights Amendment. (ERA)” The amendment could outlaw activity by any organization or person perceived as discriminating against a woman based on “pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” Translation: pro-life activity could be interpreted as a violation or conspiracy to violate a woman’s civil right to abortion, from a pregnancy center refusing to refer for abortion to a pastor preaching a pro-life message.
Given New York is the most pro-abortion state next to North Korea, coupled with recent attempts to shut down public pro-life expression, the ERA appears to be less about equality and more about legalizing the bigotry of pro-abortion politicians. A no vote on prop 1 provides pro-lifers equal protection under the law.