Shawdesh Desk:

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When you turn over your ballot in the voting booth this election, there’s a statewide proposal you’ll be asked to vote on. But what is it all about? Why is it controversial? Who backs it, and which groups are against it?

What is Proposition 1?

“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law,” reads the ballot proposal.

Proposition 1 adds language to the amendment that would “prevent or dismantle discrimination” based on protected characteristics. In addition, it would prohibit anyone from “interfering, limiting or denying” the civil rights of anyone.

What groups want to see the proposal passed?

Most Democrats, equal rights activists, and any groups who want to expand equal rights for all appear to be in favor of passing Proposition 1.

“We have essentially passed the 28th Amendment, the equal rights amendment, after over 100 years of advocacy. However, it has yet to be published in the Constitution,” explained Lorie Honor, co-founder of Staten Island Women Who March, and chief of staff for Vote Equality, a national organization whose mission is to bring awareness to the fact that gender equality is not in the U.S. Constitution.

“It is very, very vital, and is something that we hope in a new administration will be prioritized. But in the meantime, all the states are trying to figure out how can we protect more of our people, in our communities, in our neighborhoods. This is Proposition 1 for New York,” added the Stapleton resident.

Honor organized a grassroots movement of mostly women who have been handing out flyers and information about Proposition 1 across Staten Island. Their goal is to educate borough residents about the ballot proposal.

Who is against Proposition 1?

Many Republicans have spoken out about the ballot proposal. Several Island elected officials voiced opposition to the proposal centering around transgender individuals in sports. In fact, a group of New York City conservatives took to the steps of City Hall on Oct. 21 to call for votes against the ballot measure.

“The proponents are saying the proposition is about abortion, but that’s not even mentioned in the text,” said Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore). “And there is no threat to abortion in New York state. It’s not happening. The goal is to use the issue of abortion to implement different protections that probably could not pass on their own.”

Many Republicans have taken up opposition against transgender individuals in sports.

“The goal [of Proposition 1] is to put protections in, most notably for national origin and for gender identity. …How are people discriminated based on national origin and gender? And the two things they are discriminated against is, in some cases, participation in sports. And with national origin, it’s voting and accessing public benefits…so that is the only goal. Everything else in there is just a plus,” Borelli added.