Question Number 1 - Proposes to guarantee equal rights

Summary

This ballot measure would add new language to the Nevada Constitution specifically guaranteeing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the State or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin.

A "yes" vote would amend the Nevada Constitution to add new language specifically guaranteeing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the State or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin.

A "no" vote would not amend the Nevada Constitution to add new language specifically guaranteeing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the State or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry or national origin.

Arguments

"Approving Question 1 will establish an enduring commitment to equality for everyone. Although some protection against discrimination exists in federal and state law, there are gaps in the existing legal patchwork that have resulted in unavailable or inadequate protection for certain classes of people, including instances of unequal pay for women and pregnancy discrimination. This ballot measure fills those gaps by providing comprehensive state constitutional guarantees of equal treatment under the law for the classifications of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, and national origin." - Nevada Statewide Ballot Questions Summary, in support of Question Number 1 (Learn more)

"This ballot measure will not diminish the rights of some people at the expense of others but, instead, will advance equality for all by filling the gaps in existing protections. Additionally, this ballot measure will not eliminate the authority of the State and local governments to protect classifications of people, including children and other vulnerable populations, who have always been entitled to such protections. Governmental entities will still be able to pass laws or take actions to protect classifications of people but will have to honor Nevada's constitutional commitment to equality when doing so." - Nevada Statewide Ballot Questions Summary, in support of Question Number 1 (Learn more)

"Enshrining such broad and untested equal rights language into the Nevada Constitution will make it difficult to fix its inevitable unintended consequences. Approval of Question 1 will result in a flood of litigation, clogging our court system because of its vague and expansive language. Further, because Question 1 cements this language into the Nevada Constitution, it will require another lengthy constitutional amendment process to undo its negative effects." - Nevada Statewide Ballot Questions Summary, in opposition to Question Number 1 (Learn more)

"Proponents fail to acknowledge the impact Question 1 may have on individual liberties and safety. They state that this ballot measure will protect against religious discrimination based on a person's "creed" or religion. But they fail to explain how this ballot measure can give new constitutional protections to classifications such as sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression and, at the same time, actually protect the religious liberties of individuals who hold traditional views on marriage and gender and want to live according to those values." - Nevada Statewide Ballot Questions Summary, in opposition to Question Number 1 (Learn more)

Measure Details