Today, our guest is Ayesha Kreutz, Campaign Manager for the Coalition to Protect Kids - NY. Ayesha is at the forefront of the movement to inform and mobilize voters about the significant implications of the upcoming ballot proposition, Prop 1.
Governor Hochul and the Democrats in the state Legislature have proposed the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment,” set to appear on the ballot this November. They frame this amendment as essential for protecting abortion rights in New York, yet abortion has been legal in our state since 1970 and remains secure.
However, the amendment's broad language could introduce new constitutional rights, sparking litigation and advocacy efforts for "rights" not aligned with the majority of New Yorkers' views. These new rights include “gender identity” and “gender expression,” extending even to minor children. If passed, Prop 1 would enable minors to undergo medical transgender interventions without parental consent or notification. This policy shift contrasts with recent, more cautious approaches adopted by several European countries.
Additionally, the NYS Department of Education's 2023 guidance encourages an adversarial stance between parents and children, allowing children to decide if parents should be involved in their transition decisions. Prop 1 would further entrench this by permitting medical procedures and medications for minors without parental consent, while parents remain responsible for the resulting emotional and physical impacts.
Moreover, Prop 1 threatens the integrity of female sports by allowing biological males to participate and challenges the viability of single-sex education and activities. It could also impact the free speech of religious and charitable organizations providing medical, educational, or other services, including adoptions and foster care.
Governor Hochul, while advocating for laws to protect minors from social media abuse, supports Prop 1, possibly to boost voter turnout under the guise of safeguarding abortion rights, at the expense of our children's welfare.
To oppose this proposition, the Coalition to Protect Kids - NY has formed a ballot proposition committee, organizing grassroots opposition and raising awareness through www.protectkidsny.com. Please visit and share this website to help protect our children and uphold parental rights.
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