ALBANY — The bishops of New York state are urging Catholic New Yorkers to oppose Proposal One, also known as “Prop 1,” a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would enshrine the right to abortion in the state Constitution. They say it could also restrict parents’ rights to make medical and other decisions for their minor children, including so-called “gender-affirming” procedures.

“This hastily written amendment is presented as a means of banning unjust discrimination against people for a range of characteristics. However, by singling out both age and gender identity and expression, it opens the door for judges to permit minor children to make life-altering decisions about their bodies without any parental approval or notification,” said Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference (NYSCC). “Additionally, it would make it impossible to ever pass even the most common-sense restrictions on abortion.”

“New York already has robust protection of civil rights in state statute and in the Constitution, as well as in many local and county human rights laws. In fact, the Constitution already specifically guarantees to everyone the equal protection of the laws, regardless of any defining characteristic or identity. There are also extensive civil rights protections under federal law and the U.S. Constitution,” Poust said. “There is no evidence whatsoever that this broad network of legal protections is inadequate. We believe it is always correct to oppose unjust discrimination against any individuals, but this proposal sweeps far too broadly in language and scope, and would result in far more harms than positive advancements.”

“We urge all New Yorkers to oppose it,” he added.

The Catholic Conference represents the bishops of New York state in public policy matters.

The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is the official ballot issue committee opposing Prop One. To learn more and go to their website.