New York voters pass constitution change that supporters say will protect abortion and trans rights

Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York voters have approved an amendment to expand the state Constitution’s anti-discrimination language. Voters passed the amendment on Tuesday. The Equal Rights Amendment prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability or sex. That includes sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy. The Constitution had previously barred discrimination based on color, creed or religion. Democrats put the measure on the ballot and said it would safeguard abortion rights. Republicans argued it would provide a Constitutional right for transgender athletes to play on girls’ and women’s sports teams.