Advocates push for Equal Rights Amendment

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — This week on Empire State Weekly, A state constitutional amendment, that would protect a woman from discrimination if she has an abortion, was removed from the November ballot. Sasha Ahuja, the Campaign Director for New Yorkers for Equal Rights, explained the measure adds additional protections for those seeking abortions as well as LGBTQ individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

“We have so many laws in the state of New York that protect our communities, especially most vulnerable. Here in New York, the equal rights amendment will ensure that all our communities, including LGBT communities, rights, are protected in our State Constitution, so that any attempt to roll them back can be prevented by our strongest constitutional protections possible,” said Ahuja.

Also this week, supporters of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill argued its necessity in hopes of seeing it passed before the session ends. Martin Naro, President of the Empire State Redemption Association explained the increases brought in the bill would help those struggling with current costs.

And, Damien Cornwell, the President of the Cannabis Association of New York, gave an update on the rollout of the state’s recreational adult-use cannabis market. He explained that several struggles and a lack of resources hampered the rollout.

“The problem was that the execution left a lot to be desired especially when you compound it with early lawsuits the illicit market ballooning and then the not right amount of resources being allocated to state and local governments to really get this thing done,” said Cornwell.

To see these interviews and more, here is a list of how you can watch Empire State Weekly in your area of New York:

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