Clash on NY immig rights

Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing to approve an “Equal Rights Amendment” to the state constitution that would bestow legal protections on noncitizens — including illegal immigrants.

“Equality of Rights shall not be denied or abridged because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability,” reads the amendment advanced by state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester).

The “protection against discrimination . . . is needed to ensure an inclusive society with equal opportunity for personal fulfillment and respect for everyone in New York in all their diversity,” the amendment states.

The “citizenship” clause is turning into an explosive campaign issue because Mayer is now running to fill a vacant Westchester Senate seat in a special election April 24. Her Republican opponent is former Rye Councilman Julie Killian.

The Senate GOP slammed the proposal for aiding illegal immigrants while excluding “military status” for protections, a category included under current state civilrights law. Krueger said she had no problem adding “military status” to the amendment.