Did you know that the New York State Constitution does not protect the rights of people with disabilities, seniors and those who identify as LGBT, or the reproductive freedoms for women—among other rights?

It is time for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to be added to our state constitution. This amendment specifically codifies many protections for New Yorkers, including:

Explicitly prohibiting government discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex—including sexual orientation and gender identification.

Freedom of choice for pregnant women.

Closing loopholes and eliminating legislative rollbacks of rights and freedoms for New Yorkers.

Once and for all, let’s ensure that the NYS Constitution includes the strongest legal protections for all of its citizens. Vote YES to pass the ERA on November 5.

Wendy Rudder
New Paltz, NY