Community groups gather to protest against Referendum 1_1

On October 21, a coalition of various organizations, including the New York Origins Association, gathered in front of City Hall to protest the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) that is set to be voted on in the upcoming November elections. Demonstrators voiced strong concerns, claiming that if the proposal were to pass, it would open a Pandora’s box. They argued that it could lead to allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, permit minors to undergo gender transitions without parental consent, and give voting rights to illegal immigrants.

The proposal, designated as Proposal One, is divided into two parts: Part A states that no individual can face discrimination based on twelve objective criteria, including gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, nationality, and age. Part B asserts that “none of the objective conditions listed in this section shall be interpreted as depriving anyone of their civil rights.”

Bobbie Ann Cox, a constitutional lawyer who participated in the rally, highlighted that while the original intent of the proposal was to protect abortion rights, the term “abortion rights” is not mentioned anywhere in the text. Moreover, she criticized the vague language used, suggesting it could be interpreted to allow biological males who identify as women to compete against females in sports, thereby threatening women’s rights and their spaces.

Paula Scanlan, who has mixed Asian heritage and was a member of the University of Pennsylvania women’s swimming team, recounted her experience with a biological male athlete who, during her sophomore year, suddenly identified as female and joined the women’s team. This athlete, taking advantage of physiological differences, outperformed several skilled female swimmers.

Scanlan revealed that this athlete had spent three years on the men’s team before transitioning and did not pursue any medical gender transition measures after the announcement. “The school completely prohibited us from voicing any opposition, but at least 85% of the students I spoke to felt this was wrong,” she stated. She warned that if Proposal One is passed, many more female athletes could find themselves in the difficult situation she faced, which she finds deeply concerning.

Among those present in opposition to Proposal One were city council members Joann Ariola, Kristy Marmorato, Joe Borelli, Vickie Paladino, New York Origins Association President Huihua Chen, and Manhattan District 2 school board member Maud Maron.