Proposal ending NYers’ right to parent our kids threatens equal rights

My fellow New Yorkers and I are ready to address a significant question on Election Day: Do parents have the right to make decisions for our children, or do politicians in Albany get to control our kids?

Surprisingly, most New Yorkers are unaware that this question will be on the November ballot.

However, that’s the reality of Proposition One — also known as the “Equal Rights Amendment.”

Activists and politicians are claiming that this constitutional amendment is essential for protecting abortion rights, but in reality, the amendment does not mention abortion at all.

Abortion rights are already ensured by state law, and the chances of elected officials in Albany revoking these rights are slim. New York is recognized as one of the most pro-abortion states in the country.

So why are activists linking the Equal Rights Amendment to abortion? It’s because they believe New Yorkers would be less likely to support the amendment if they focused on the real implications.

Mainly, the concern is about the potential threat to parental rights, including the right to shield our children from radical transgender ideology.

Speaking as a father of a young teenage son, like many kids today, he has been exposed to transgender ideology at school.

Although he has shown no inclination towards changing his gender, if he did, it would be within my rights and responsibilities as his father to intervene.

I would prevent him from undergoing risky procedures like puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. I would also oppose any efforts to subject him to genital surgeries.

Instead, I would seek genuine mental-health support to help him navigate his identity.

This approach is based on care and science, as at least 80% of kids who identify as transgender ultimately come to a different conclusion.

Once kids undergo hormone treatments and surgeries, it is difficult to reverse. These treatments can have long-term effects such as weight gain, blood clots, and sexual dysfunction.

Similarly, sex-change surgeries can result in irreversible damage and complications.

Individuals who try to revert back to their original gender often express dissatisfaction with how the procedures have altered their physical appearance.

I am committed to protecting my son’s future well-being and happiness.

If the so-called Equal Rights Amendment is approved, my ability to protect my son would be compromised.

What activists and politicians fail to mention is that the ballot measure would amend the state Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on “gender identity” and “gender expression” and even “age.”

This language could pave the way for legislation that forces me to support my son’s decision to change genders against my will.

The mere thought of this is unsettling. The state might intervene and remove my son from my care if I resist allowing him to undergo hormone treatments.

I could be accused of “discrimination” if I prevent him from undergoing certain procedures or if I object to the use of female pronouns to refer to him at school.

Essentially, my right to parent my son could be taken away from me, posing a severe threat to parental rights and children’s health.

Do we really believe that New York’s leaders would pursue such extreme measures?

The state already permits teenagers to pursue gender transitions without parental consent. There is also a proposed bill that would authorize teens to make medical decisions related to gender without parental knowledge.

It is evident that political figures in New York are embracing transgender ideology and are willing to penalize individuals who hold differing views.

Why would they hesitate to infringe on parents’ rights to protect their children?

I urge New Yorkers to consider this as they contemplate their vote on Prop One. While the ballot may portray it as the “Equal Rights Amendment,” in reality, it is the “Parent Replacement Act.”

Kelly Eustis is director of member engagement at Do No Harm. He lives in Greenwich, NY.