Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A proposed state constitutional amendment that New York voters will consider in November could have negative ramifications for Catholic concerns, the state's bishops argued in a statement on September 5.

Proposal 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, is a ballot measure that mandates fair treatment for all people under state law. However, opponents argue it is aimed at protecting abortion and that its broad language could have unintended consequences, including for parental rights.

The Equal Rights Amendment ballot proposal states: “No person shall, because of … sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination.”

“Pope Francis has reminded us that as thoughtful Catholics, we must participate in the public square for the sake of the common good,” said a joint statement from Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Bishops Edward B. Scharfenberger of Albany, Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, Michael W. Fisher of Buffalo, Terry R. LaValley of Ogdensburg, Salvatore R. Matano of Rochester, John O. Barres of Rockville Centre, Douglas J. Lucia of Syracuse, as well as the auxiliary bishops and retired bishops of New York.

“Every Catholic is called to do the work of properly informing his or her conscience and voting for candidates and policies that will best advance the natural law, the protection of human rights, the dignity of the human person, the sacredness of all life, and the teachings of Christ and His Church,” they said. “It is a presidential election year, and there are important votes to be cast for Congress and the state Legislature as well. Importantly, in New York like several other states there is also a critical referendum on the ballot.”

The title of that referendum suggests "a noble cause," they said since "all children of God should be treated equally under the law." However," this proposed amendment to the state Constitution is broadly written and could have dangerous consequences if enacted which is why we oppose it and urge you to vote no."

They argued that the measure would effectively "permanently legalize abortion without restriction and up until the moment of birth in New York."

“Apart from being redundant in a state that already has stripped away all abortion limitations," they stated "the amendment would render impossible any change to the law if hearts and minds ever shift toward protecting children in utero."

The amendment's broad language mentioning "age" as a protected class "could also lead to parents' rights being stripped away," they contended citing issues related to gender.

“Proposal 1 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing that could lead to darkness for many New York families,” they asserted adding “This amendment disregards lives unborn struggling children name political agendas dangerous consequences these children their parents.”

As faithful Catholics look to make their voices heard in public squares they should consider these consequences voting no thoughtfully voting informed conscience ushering change good."

Multiple states will have measures expanding access abortion ballots Nov 5 such measures posing key challenge pro-life groups after losses similar contests post-Dobbs elections across country but New York's measure broader than comparable efforts narrowly about abortion.

Although widely expected pass Michele Sterlace-Accorsi executive director Feminists Choosing Life New York previously told OSV News she believes educating voters about issue can go long way defeating ERA protecting vulnerable women children most impacted by it.

“We know that New York is a policy culture leader nation world hoping upset victory,” she concluded.

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