(NEW YORK ). – Proposal 1, a ballot initiative centered around adding reproductive rights protections and more to the New York State constitution has passed.
With 95.4% of the vote counted, according to the AP, the measure passed with 61.8% of voters approving the amendment.
Prop 1 is an amendment to the state constitution that expands the criteria for protection from discrimination in New York State. In addition to the current law that bans discrimination based on creed, color, or religion, “the new language will also ban discrimination based on national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes or reproductive healthcare and autonomy,” according to AP News.
The New York City Democratic Socialists of America held an election night watch party at Starr Bar in Brooklyn. Jeremy Cohan, former co-chair of the NYC-DSA, who supported the measure said, “ We were inspired both by the positive case for Prop 1, and if – heaven forbid, Trump wins, the need to – at least in blue states – protect abortions, protect bodily autonomy, how important that is in and of itself.” (Cohan made his remarks Tuesday evening before the outcome of the presidential race was known.)
Protecting reproductive rights at the state level is the primary focus of Prop 1, and the priority of many advocacy groups since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
“We have the opportunity to solidify New Yorkers’ rights in our state constitution, because laws can be overturned,” Caitlin Hunter, Region 3 Community Organizer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Action Fund said before the election. “When our rights are protected in our state constitution, we want to make sure that New Yorkers aren’t discriminated against by any politicians, it doesn’t matter what side of the aisle they’re on.”
Prop 1 received essential support from leaders in the Democratic Party, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, among others, according to the New York Times.
“We want to make sure that New Yorkers are protected, and they have the ability to make their own decisions with their doctors without interference from the government,” Hunter said.