Cuomo Introduces Legislation To Strengthen Women's Rights in NY

On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced a ten-point plan to help the cause of women's rights in the 21st Century.

Cuomo introduced the legislation to reporters and the public as part of an ongoing effort to reclaim New York's place at the forefront of the women's progressive movement.

“In 1848, the women’s suffrage movement began in America at the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York,” said Cuomo. “Over the years, however, New York has fallen behind in its role as a progressive leader on women’s rights. The Women’s Equality Act, which I introduced today, is designed to address gender inequality in our communities, and to restore New York as a leader in women’s rights.”

The issues to be addressed by the Women's Equality Act include:

Wage/salary disparity: In New York, the average female salaried employee makes more than $8,000 less per year than their male counterparts.

Workplace sexual harassment: Currently, New York sexual harassment laws only apply to companies with more than four employees.

Human trafficking: New York will increase penalties for those convicted.

Reproductive choice: The current law is not as up to date, Cuomo said, as statutes established by Roe v. Wade. 

Some portions of the bill — in particular the elements dealing with access to abortion — could face an uphill fight. State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos told the New York Post Wednesday morning that he planned to prevent any abortion access legislation from reaching the Senate floor for a vote.