Learn about the New York Equal Rights Amendment

The ERA NY Amendment will appear on the ballot in November.

Both sides of the political spectrum in the New York State Legislature declared their support for the ERA NY Amendment on January 24, 2023, when it was passed, bringing the amendment to New Yorkers for ratification on the November 2024 ballot.

Although New York statutes offer protections for persons with disabilities, these statutes can be easily repealed without public input.

To repeal a law, the State Legislature must approve the repeal by a majority vote. The governor then either signs or vetoes the repeal bill. The Legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote—no vote of the people is required. In contrast, after legislative approval, an amendment to the New York State Constitution requires a vote of the people. The state constitution provides more enduring protections.

Currently, the New York State Constitution only protects against discrimination based on race and religion. The ERA NY Amendment, however, will expand protections to cover additional criteria.

ERA NY Amendment:

“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person, firm, corporation, institution, or by the state or any of its agencies or subdivisions, pursuant to law.”

Many organizations are supporting the ERA NY Amendment, including:

• The New York Civil Liberties Union

• Planned Parenthood

• Empire State Acts

• PowHer NY

• National Institute for Reproductive Health

• League of Women Voters (LWV)

• National Organization for Women (NOW)

• New York Association of Independent Living

• LatinoJustice PRLDEF