Statewide Ballot Proposal for Equal Rights Passes, City Charter Changes Also Prevail
Equal Rights Amendment Passes with Over 77% of the Vote in New York City
A statewide ballot proposal to safeguard rights for women and other minorities passed on Tuesday night, as expected, with over 77% of the vote in New York City and about 58% statewide. The proposal, known as the Equal Rights Amendment, enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution and seeks to codify protection against unequal treatment based on national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, and sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy status).
City Charter Changes Pass, but Not Without Controversy
Four out of five City Charter changes proposed by a panel convened by Mayor Eric Adams also appeared to prevail, according to results from state and city election boards. The measures, which were criticized by many City Council members and civil rights groups, aim to give the mayor more control over certain city functions.
What the Charter Changes Entail
The four successful proposals:
- Codify certain powers of the Department of Sanitation, including the ability to require waste to be put into containers for pickup
- Require the publication of capital planning reports on the cost of maintaining city facilities
- Add procedural hurdles for the City Council before it passes new legislation, including multi-step review for proposed new public safety measures and expanded budgetary reviews
- Expand budgetary reviews prior to votes on new legislation
The one proposal that failed, with just 47% of voters in favor, would have institutionalized the role of "chief business diversity officer," given the mayor control over film permits and combined archive boards.
Criticism of the Charter Review Process
Some critics have argued that the charter review process was rushed, noting that past reviews took place over a longer period of time. The Adams administration has maintained that the speed of the process was necessary to address pressing issues facing the city.
Reactions to the Results
Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, praised the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, saying, "Tonight, New Yorkers stood up for women and LGBT, immigrant and disabled New Yorkers by approving the most progressive and comprehensive state Equal Rights Amendment in the country."
Conclusion
The passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and the approval of four out of five City Charter changes mark significant moments in New York City’s political landscape. While some have criticized the charter review process, the measures are likely to have a lasting impact on the city’s governance and operations.
FAQs
Q: What does the Equal Rights Amendment aim to achieve?
A: The Equal Rights Amendment enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution and seeks to codify protection against unequal treatment based on national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, and sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy status).
Q: What are the City Charter changes aimed at achieving?
A: The charter changes aim to give the mayor more control over certain city functions, including waste management, facility maintenance, and budgetary reviews.
Q: Who criticized the charter review process?
A: Many City Council members and civil rights groups have criticized the charter review process, arguing it was rushed and lacked public input.
Q: What was the outcome of the charter review process?
A: Four out of five of the City Charter changes proposed by the mayor’s panel appeared to pass, while one failed to gain approval.
