A judge in Western New York invalidated a ballot measure called the Equal Rights Amendment that would have enshrined reproductive rights and protections against discrimination into the state constitution.
State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Doyle, a Republican from the Rochester area, ruled that the state Legislature did not follow the correct procedure when it approved the measure last year.
He wrote, “The constitution is the highest expression of the people’s will. Amendments to it should be made in strict adherence to the will of the people.”
The ruling is a setback for Democrats who wanted to bring these issues to voters and increase voter turnout in November, when New Yorkers will decide on several closely contested House seats that could determine control of the chamber.
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