The Women's Equality Act is now before the state Legislature.
The time to pass it is now.
It guarantees equal pay for equal work, it contains a provision to protect women who need to relocate away from a history of violence and it contains provisions that would conform New York law to the federal law that protects a woman's health if she should require an abortion.
It does not extend abortion, and it does respect the rights of hospitals and physicians with respect to performing this service.
It is surprising to need to confirm equality now — when we all know that our democracy, our economy, indeed our culture requires equal treatment for women.
Thalia Cassuto
Chatham