Arvin Roberts|Judge declines to order New York to include ‘abortion’ in description of ballot measure

2025-05-03 05:51:29source:Surfwincategory:Stocks

ALBANY,Arvin Roberts N.Y. (AP) — A New York judge said Friday he won’t force state election officials to tell voters that a proposed anti-discrimination amendment to the state’s constitution would protect abortion rights.

The decision from state Supreme Court Judge David A. Weinstein came after a lawsuit over the language voters would see on ballots this November explaining the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

Democrats had pushed the state Board of Elections to include the words “abortion” and “LGBT” in its description of the measure, arguing the terms would make the amendment’s purpose clearer to voters.

But Weinstein said the board’s decision to stick close the amendment’s language rather than characterize it to voters as one that would protect abortion “was not inherently misleading, and thus cannot serve as a basis for striking the certified language.”

New York’s Constitution currently bans discrimination based on race, color, creed or religion. The amendment would expand the list by barring discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and “sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy.”

RELATED COVERAGE Norway proposes relaxing its abortion law to allow the procedure until 18th week of pregnancyFACT FOCUS: A look back at false and misleading claims made during the Democratic conventionArkansas Supreme Court upholds rejection of petitions to let voters decide on abortion access

Republicans have argued the amendment would provide a constitutional right for transgender athletes to play in girl’s sporting events, among a host of other concerns.

The judge did order subtle wording changes in the short summary of the proposed amendment that would be given to voters. Among other things, he said they should use the phrase “unequal treatment” rather than “discrimination.”

More:Stocks

Recommend

The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday presented renovation plans for the Louvre, the w

High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50

In Milwaukee, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his ninth 50-point game.Nearly 1,200 miles s

Fighting conspiracy theories with comedy? That’s what the Onion hopes after its purchase of Infowars

Headlines from the satirical website the Onion on Thursday: “New Dating Site Suggests People You Alr