POTSDAM — Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York will host a rally Saturday, Oct. 19 in Potsdam to raise awareness of Proposal 1, a constitutional amendment that will appear on New Yorkers’ ballots this November.

Planned Parenthood calls the amendment crucial in protecting the rights and reproductive freedoms of New Yorkers, including the right to abortion.

The rally, taking place from 3-5 p.m. in Ives Park, is expected to bring together supporters, community leaders, and advocates.

“Proposal 1 is about protecting our future,” said Katie Ramus, Interim CEO of Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York. “This amendment will safeguard reproductive freedoms in our state and ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of gender, race, or background, can access the healthcare they need without fear. The opposition has been spreading lies and misinformation to distract voters, but we are here to unite and make our voices heard.”

The rally will feature speakers from Planned Parenthood, local reproductive rights advocates, and supporters who support Proposal 1.

For more information about the rally or Proposal 1, please contact Katie Ramus at katie.ramus@ppncny.org .

Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment

“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,” a description of the state proposal reads.

The proposal would amend  section 11 of article 1 of the NYS constitution to read as follows:

• 11. a. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law.

1. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law, regulation, program, or practice that is designed to prevent or dismantle discrimination on the basis of a characteristic listed in this section, nor shall any characteristic listed in this section be interpreted to interfere with, limit, or deny the civil rights of any person based upon any other characteristic identified in this section.

• 2. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendment be submitted to the people for approval at the general election to be held in the year 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the election law.