ALBANY – NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement following this morning’s ruling in Marjorie Byrnes et al v. The Senate of the State of New York et al, which removed the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” from the November ballot. 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.  In addition, the proposed amendment would legalize “reverse discrimination” programs, such as allowing payment of reparations for slavery or admissions to academic institutions based on race.

“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.

“Gov. Hochul and the legislature disrespect the people of the state when they so cavalierly adopt a constitutional change without following the explicit procedures set forth in the constitution for amendments. They previously violated the constitution with the illegal gerrymander of congressional and state Senate districts. She and the legislature need to be reminded of their oaths to uphold the constitution and not to violate it.  Assemblywoman Byrnes and the other plaintiffs are to be congratulated for upholding the state constitution in the face of its violation by the governor, attorney general and the legislature.”

###