Washington, DC –– Following an Extraordinary Session in the New York state legislature that saw the final passage of an inclusive state-level Equal Rights Amendment, ERA Coalition / Fund for Women’s Equality President and CEO Zakiya Thomas released the following statement:

“Even as the basic human rights of discrimination protections and access to abortion are being eroded or openly repealed in states across the country, the New York state legislature took bold and decisive action to ensure everyone will be treated equally under the law in the Empire State. The ERA Coalition applauds the legislature for taking action on such critical issues at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Amending the NY State Constitution with an inclusive version of the Equal Rights Amendment should set the gold standard for equality across the nation.”

“That this legislation finally passed on Independence Day weekend means there is truly something special to celebrate. Now, New Yorkers of all ethnicities, national origins, ages, disabilities or abilities, and sexes – including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy – can rest assured their rights are protected.” said Kimberly Peeler-Allen, ERA Coalition Board Chair.

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The ERA Coalition was founded in 2014 to bring concerted, organized action to the effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA Coalition has a sister organization, the Fund for Women’s Equality, which promotes public education and outreach on the need for constitutional equality. Composed of more than 260 organizations across the country, the Coalition provides education and advocacy on constitutional Equality. 

While the effort to amend the constitution to include sex equality began nearly a century ago, our renewed efforts are centered on women of color (African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Latina, and Native American), gender-nonconforming and transgender women and girls, and nonbinary people – those who are most impacted by systemic inequities.

www.eracoalition.org | www.fundforwomensequality.org