My Reflections as We Approach Election Day
Former President Trump’s rally last Sunday at Madison Square Garden served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to confront and denounce rising xenophobia, antisemitism, racism, and sexism. We witnessed speaker after speaker taking the stage to spew hate, and Trump’s campaign did not condemn or apologize for these remarks. As Co-Chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Hate, I take this hateful rhetoric very seriously and understand how such language can incite violence. With hate crimes on the rise in our city, we must speak out against divisive speech. New York City is the most diverse city in the nation, home to a rich tapestry of cultures and communities, including the largest immigrant population. It is essential that our voices and values reflect this diversity, ensuring that everyone feels represented and included.
It’s especially disappointing that Mayor Adams has echoed some of the anti-immigrant sentiment expressed at this rally, raising deep concerns about the future of our immigrant communities in New York. We’ve already witnessed attempts to undermine our sanctuary policies, with local agencies violating these policies and colluding with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulting in deportations, rights violations, and lasting harm to immigrant families. That’s why it’s more critical than ever for the City Council to pass Intro 214, my bill that would allow New Yorkers to pursue legal action against any local agency conspiring with ICE or violating sanctuary laws. As explained here, this bill is essential to protecting the safety and rights of our immigrant neighbors in a climate where they are increasingly at risk.
Unfortunately, we are also seeing alarming attacks on abortion and reproductive freedoms at the federal level. As the first Muslim woman representing our district in the City Council and a member of the first women-majority City Council, I’ve been fighting to ensure that New York City remains a haven for safe and accessible abortions. I was proud to author and pass Local Laws 75 and 76 as a part of New York City’s Abortion Rights Act, which strengthens and expands abortion and reproductive health care in the city. Additionally, I helped establish the Council’s $1 Million Abortion Access Fund, the largest municipal investment of its kind in the nation. These efforts have made our city a safe haven for out-of-state residents seeking safe abortions. Regardless of what happens at the federal level, the City Council remains committed to safeguarding and strengthening reproductive rights.
With Election Day fast approaching, these issues are more important than ever. There’s so much on the ballot that will impact us all for years to come. Make sure you have a plan to vote, and if you’ve already cast your ballot, reach out to friends and loved ones to ensure they participate as well. If you encounter issues while voting, call 1-866-390-2992 or submit a voter complaint to the Office of the Attorney General’s Election Protection Hotline. I encourage everyone to review last week’s newsletter to learn more about this year’s six ballot questions and their impacts on our city and state. And remember to flip your ballot!
