ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — New York’s Equal Rights Amendment has passed. 

Over 7.8 million votes were cast for the ERA proposal, which changes the state constitution to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“This proposal amends Article 1, Section 11 of the New York Constitution. Section 11 now protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed, and religion. The proposal will amend the act to also protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, as well as reproductive healthcare and autonomy.  The amendment allows laws to prevent or undo past discrimination.”

The current tally across the state shows overwhelming approval. State Senator Lea Webb shared her reaction with us last night. 

In Tompkins County the vote was 79% to 22% in favor and 49% to 45% in Cortland County.