A New York Appellate Court decision has put the Equal Rights Amendment for the state constitution back on the ballot for November. It’s a key issue for Krueger. Here’s what she had to say and some background.

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

On Tuesday, Senator Liz Krueger, who represents Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side, released this statement.

“I am very pleased that the Appellate Court has rejected this baseless and blatantly partisan lawsuit that sought to prevent New Yorkers from making their voices heard in the voting booth. Now those who oppose equal rights for all New Yorkers will have to fall back on their Plan B: fearmongering.

“Anti-abortion extremists and MAGA radicals have been hard at work spreading disinformation about the Equal Rights Amendment, but I am confident that in November New Yorkers will stand on the side of reproductive freedom and the rights of older adults, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities.

“It is long past time for these protections to take their place in our state constitution alongside those for race, color, and religion.”

About the Equal Rights Amendment

New York State does not currently have an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) enshrined in its Constitution. However, there’s a recent push to change that. Here’s a breakdown of the history and current status:

The Past:

• New York’s existing Constitution lacks a broad equal rights amendment. It offers some protection against discrimination based on “race, color, creed, or religion” but doesn’t encompass a wider range of protected classes.

The Present:

• In 2022, the New York State Legislature passed a bill proposing an ERA (Senate Bill 108A) [1].
• This amendment would go beyond the current protections and prohibit discrimination by the government based on a person’s:
  • Ethnicity
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy outcomes)
  • Reproductive health care access
• The bill successfully passed both houses of the Legislature in two consecutive sessions (2021-2022 and 2022-2023), fulfilling a requirement for amending the Constitution [2].
• Voters in New York will now have the opportunity to decide on the ERA in the upcoming November 2024 general election [3].

What it Means:

• If passed by voters, the ERA would be added to the New York State Constitution, providing a stronger legal foundation for anti-discrimination protections.
• Proponents argue it’s crucial for safeguarding reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and ensuring equal opportunity across various demographics [4].

• The 19th Explains: What is the Equal Rights Amendment and will it become part of the Constitution?
• Not all Roosevelt Island Views are beautiful. Some are just ugly.
• Who is Liz Krueger? Our next State Senator. That’s good.
• Liz Krueger Q&A – Senator Explains How She Works for and with Roosevelt Island
• Liz Krueger, Our Next State Senator, An Introduction

Stay Updated:

• The November 2024 election will be a significant moment for the ERA in New York. Keep an eye on news sources closer to the election date for further developments.

Here are some resources for further reading:

• New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU): https://www.nyclu.org/resources/campaigns-actions/campaigns/new-york-needs-equal-rights-amendment
• New York State Senate Press Release: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/equal-rights-amendment-passes-senate

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