The Equal Rights Amendment, a New York state ballot initiative, is facing intense backlash over its vague language that allegedly prevents parents from approving their children undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
“Any reasonable lawyer would take one look at the language in Proposition One and say, ‘You’ve got to be kidding,'” said Greg Garvey, executive director of the New York-based Coalition to Protect Children. It’s called the Equal Rights Amendment,” he said in a press statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“This ballot plan is so broad and poorly written that it could cause irreparable harm to children and families. None other than that.”
The New York State Legislature passed the Equal Rights Amendment in January 2023 and asked voters to approve it on the November 5 ballot of this year. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the passage last year, saying New York state would “combat discrimination” after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which ended recognition of the constitutional right to abortion. “Protecting access to abortion,” it added.
‘Gender-affirming’ treatments do not benefit young people, pediatrician group says ‘will have irreversible consequences’
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at Holland Broadway Elementary School on May 9, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
“Here in New York, we will continue to take bold steps to protect the rights of New Yorkers, and we applaud the New York State Legislature for taking another important step to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment into the state constitution. Last year, I was proud to convene the special session of Congress that led to the first passage of this historic amendment, and I am grateful that the amendment is on track to be put before voters next year.” he said at the time.
The proposal would reportedly codify the right to abortion into the state constitution and add constitutional protections to existing protections regarding race and religion.
Coalition to Defend Children – New York State has announced that an upcoming ballot measure will prohibit parents from giving their children the green light for transgender surgery. (Coalition to Protect Children – New York State)
Doctor defends transgender treatment for 8- and 10-year-olds: ‘Respect children as individuals’
But critics say the proposal’s language is broad and would open doors for parents who are kept in the dark about their children’s medical procedures, including gender reassignment surgery.
A demonstrator holds a “Defend Transgender Rights” flag during a protest. (Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Whether it’s due to Albany’s laziness or some nefarious ideological agenda, Prop. 1 is a way for parents of school-age children to understand the very important things happening to their children, including the controversial gender reassignment process. It deprives them of their legal right to know about their child,” the Coalition to Protect Children said. Statement provided to Fox News Digital.
British study finds that transgender children who take puberty blocking drugs have mental health problems
A ballot measure told New York voters in November that people cannot be denied rights based on “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability” or sex (including “sexual orientation or gender”). Ask if they support adding language to the state constitution. Identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive health care and autonomy. ”
“If businesses cannot ‘discriminate’ on the basis of age, gender identity, or expression, under the new revised language, health care providers will be able to support a child’s request to make a permanent, life-altering ‘gender-affirming’ decision.” “Promotion may be required. There is no need to consult with parents,” the coalition continued.
Exposing the transgender agenda for children: Faith leaders reveal how parents can keep their children safe
The New York State Capitol Building photographed on June 30, 2023 in Albany, New York. (AP Photo/Ted Shafley, File)
The group also said the proposal would require schools to allow biological males to participate on women’s sports teams, set an age at which New Yorkers can purchase alcohol and marijuana, and determine age abuse and statutory rape. He also said that laws that stipulate “discrimination” could be weakened. Based on age. ”
“Supporters of the amendment say they are interested in protecting the right to abortion,” Garvey continued. “But everyone knows that abortion was legally adopted in New York State in 1970, and there is no danger of its repeal or restriction.” Supporters of this amendment are not being honest with their voters.”
Study finds gender dysphoria is on the rise among young people amid ‘increasing acceptance’
“This amendment opens the floodgates to allow the government to exercise more power over children than their parents over the most important decisions in their lives,” Garvey said. “Albany politicians have some explaining to do.”
Supporters of the proposal, New Yorkers for Equal Rights, argued that it would better protect the rights of New Yorkers while setting an example for other states to follow.
Social media posts published by the Coalition to Protect Children (New York State) about upcoming voting efforts in New York. (Coalition to Protect Children – New York State)
“If passed, the NY ERA would provide the most comprehensive list of protected categories of any state in the country, and would not only protect the rights of New Yorkers, but also serve as a model for other states. ,” the group said in a statement last week. According to the New York Post.
The group denied the proposal would curb parents’ say in their children’s medical care.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“These claims are simply not true. This amendment is about ensuring that our fundamental rights and reproductive freedoms are protected and never in danger of becoming a political football.” New Yorkers Sasha Ahuja, campaign director for For Equal Rights, said:
Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
