New York voters are being presented with a deceptively worded measure in the upcoming election: Proposition 1, also known as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). At first glance, this amendment seems to offer broad protections against discrimination, but a closer look reveals deep concerns over its vague language and the dangerous, far-reaching implications it could have on families, parental rights, and religious freedoms in the state.

What Is Proposition 1?

Proposition 1 seeks to amend the New York State Constitution by adding protections against discrimination based on "race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression." Additionally, the proposition includes the categories of "age" and "pregnancy outcomes"—a highly suspicious catch-all phrase that encompasses abortion. While this may sound harmless, even progressive-leaning judges have acknowledged that the vague and overly broad language of such proposals can lead to unanticipated consequences.

The real danger lies in how this amendment could be interpreted by courts. New York already has strong anti-discrimination and progressive abortion laws on the books. So why is this amendment necessary? What is it truly aiming to accomplish?

The Hidden Agenda: Enshrining Abortion and More

Let's be clear: Proposition 1 is being sold as a bill to protect women’s rights, particularly in light of recent national debates surrounding abortion. However, New York has one of the most permissive abortion laws in the country. The state already codified Roe v. Wade into law, making the push to enshrine "pregnancy outcomes" into the state constitution unnecessary—unless the true motive is to go even further.

In reality, Proposition 1 masquerades as an abortion protection bill to rally support, when its real agenda is far more insidious. The addition of "pregnancy outcomes" in such vague terms could potentially open the door to taxpayer-funded abortions, undermine existing parental consent laws, and weaken protections for religious institutions and individuals who oppose abortion on moral or religious grounds.

A Threat to Parental Rights

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Proposition 1 is the inclusion of "age" as a protected category. In today's political climate, this seemingly innocent addition could be weaponized to undermine parental authority in unprecedented ways. For example, children seeking gender reassignment surgery could use this constitutional protection to bypass parental consent. Imagine a situation where a 14-year-old wants to undergo a life-altering surgery, and this amendment could provide legal grounds for the state to allow it without parental approval.

The vague protection of "age" could also have a disturbing legal ramification regarding sexual predators. By equating age as a protected class, does this mean that legal lines regarding consent could be blurred? The prospect of pedophilia being condoned is not as far-fetched as it sounds when the state’s judges—already heavily progressive—are given the freedom to interpret such broad terms. This is a chilling thought for parents concerned about their children’s safety and well-being.

Gender Identity and Gender Expression: A Legal Quagmire

The inclusion of "gender identity" and "gender expression" raises additional red flags. Schools, religious organizations, and sports teams will be forced to comply with mandates that directly contradict biological realities and parental wishes. This amendment could make it legally impossible for schools to ban biological males from competing in women’s sports or from using girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms. Already, we are seeing this play out across the country, with devastating effects on women’s sports and the safety of young girls.

For Christian schools and religious organizations, the implications are just as troubling. The First Amendment's protections for religious freedom have been continually eroded in progressive states like New York, and Proposition 1 only accelerates this trend. If gender identity and expression are constitutionally protected, then religious schools, churches, and other faith-based organizations could face lawsuits or lose state funding for adhering to biblical teachings on gender and sexuality.

What This Means for Christians and Religious Institutions

The impact of Proposition 1 on religious freedom cannot be overstated. Churches and religious groups that stand for biblical truth will be at risk of being targeted by lawsuits for so-called "discrimination." Under this new constitutional amendment, a church that refuses to hire someone based on their gender identity, or a Christian school that enforces policies based on traditional gender roles, could find themselves in the crosshairs of the law.

This is not just a theoretical concern; it's happening across the country. Proposition 1 would give courts the legal backing to further erode the rights of religious institutions to operate according to their beliefs. If passed, this amendment will accelerate a trend that threatens the very foundations of religious liberty in New York.

Conclusion: Vote NO on Proposition 1

Proposition 1 is not just about protecting women’s rights or ensuring equality. It is a Trojan horse that hides within it threats to parental authority, religious freedom, and the safety of children. New York already has comprehensive laws on abortion and discrimination, making this amendment unnecessary at best and dangerous at worst.

The vague and overbroad language of Proposition 1 will lead to endless legal battles, and given the state’s progressive judiciary, these battles are unlikely to be won by those who value traditional family values, religious liberties, and the protection of children.

New Yorkers who care about preserving parental rights, safeguarding religious freedoms, and protecting the sanctity of life should vote NO on Proposition 1. This amendment is not about equality; it’s about stripping away your rights as a parent and a Christian.