Democrat Ballot Measure Tossed from Upcoming Election

Democrats in New York took a shot on the chin this week after a ruling by a Republican judge.

State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Doyle has decided to toss a ballot measure that Democrats wanted to see on the ballot in the upcoming election.

The measure, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), would have codified abortion rights and protections into the state constitution.

Sorry, But No

According to Doyle, the state did not follow proper procedures for putting the measure on the ballot, so he shot it down.

In his ruling, Doyle stated, “The constitution is the supreme will of the people.

“Its amendment should be undertaken by strict adherence to the will of the people.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James was predictably upset that the measure was shot down and plans to appeal the ruling.

She stated, “The Equal Rights Amendment was advanced to protect people’s fundamental rights like reproductive freedom and access to abortion care.

“The decision to strike the ERA from the ballot in November is disappointing, and we’re appealing to defend New Yorkers’ rights.”

State GOP Chair Ed Cox celebrated the ruling, stating, “Once again the legislature and Gov. Hochul are found to have violated the state constitution.

“In their rush to pass this amendment, the legislature never held a single hearing on the proposal, never consulted with outside constitutional experts, and falsely asserted this amendment was necessary to protect abortion rights in the state.”

Cox later added, “The proposed amendment would permit children to make permanent, life-altering sex change decisions without the need to consult with parents and allow biological males to compete on girls’ sports teams.”

The GOP was lucky this came before a conservative judge, so we will have to see where this falls on appeal.

Because you know, if this goes before a liberal-dominated appeals panel, the decision will fall in favor of James, so I am not going to celebrate just yet.