Contentious NY Senate feuds over ‘women’s week’

By The Associated Press
Posted: 3:25 am Fri, January 20, 2012

ALBANY — The often contentious New York Senate erupted Thursday over a proclamation to set an “awareness week” for women.

The Democratic minority drew a proclamation that called for a “Reproductive Rights and Justice Week.” The Republican majority heavily edited that into “Women’s Health Week.”

Republicans have a 32-30 majority going into this election year. The majority’s power over legislation and resources is vast and greater than in most states.

While abortion and contraception rights are protected and not top issues in this deep blue state, the Democrats’ proclamation sought to boost national awareness, too.

Republicans responded that the proclamation was opinion, not fact and didn’t meet the rules.

The Democratic proclamation supported abortion rights and sex education.

Republicans excluded a statement that women are “solely responsible” for childbearing.