On Nov. 5, 2024, the Equality Amendment (ERA) to the New York State Constitution will be on the ballot for voter consideration. The Equality Amendment to the NY State Constitution, formerly Senate Bill 51002, proposes an amendment to Section 11 of Article 1 of the New York State Constitution in relation to equal protection under the law. This version of the NY ERA, which passed its final legislative hurdle a year ago, would enshrine in the New York Constitution protections based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin and other factors if passed by the ballot referendum.

A primary purpose of an Equal Rights Amendment is to embed in the New York State Constitution equality for women as a fundamental right. Although there are varied protections for women, many stronger in New York than federally, the right of women to be free of discrimination exists only through a patchwork of laws and legal interpretation, subject to alteration by changing jurists and lawmakers.