New York fights again to weapons and abortion after Supreme Courtroom ruling

The provision of abortion rights in the state constitution will make it more difficult. Amending the State Constitution is a multi-year process that begins with the passage of the Legislature. Then, after a general election, another session of the Legislature must pass the amendment before it is presented to voters in a referendum by ballot.

But lawmakers took the first step on Friday when the Senate passed the Equal Rights Amendment, which, along with guaranteeing the right to abortion and access to contraception, banned the government from discriminating against women. treat anyone based on a list of qualifications that includes race, ethnicity, national origin, disability or gender – paying particular attention to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy in the list of protected conditions. (A Congressional vote is expected later.)

Some classes are protected by the measure’s language that seems to predict future rulings from the court, which last week also indicated it could overturn cases establishing the right to same-sex marriage, same-sex relationships and contraception.

“We’re playing legislative Whac-a-Mole with the Supreme Court,” said Senator Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan Democrat. “Whenever they come up with a bad idea, we fight it with legislation at the state level.”

He added: “Civil liberties are hanging in the balance.

New York Republicans, who have little influence in both legislative chambers, were split on the Equal Rights Amendment, with seven votes in favor and 13 against. But they have unanimously opposed the concealed carry-on bill, saying Democrats have tipped the balance too much in favor of the restrictions.

“Instead of addressing the root of the problem and holding violent criminals accountable, Albany politicians are preventing law-abiding New Yorkers who have gone through licensing classes, background checks and licensing processes exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” said Robert Ortt, Republican leader in the Senate, from Western New York.