Women's rights advocates rally at the Capitol - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Women's rights advocates rally at the Capitol

ALBANY, N.Y. - Women's health advocates rallied at the Capitol Monday, as Lt. Governor Robert Duffy talked women's rights.

Duffy was joined by legaslative leaders addressing nearly 450 women's health care supporters in Albany on Monday, calling on state lawmakers to pass Governor Andrew Cuomo's newly proposed Women's Equality Act.

From equal pay to abortion rights, Duffy says this deal will make a big difference in the state. "New York State, right now, I believe is on its way to be the progressive capital of this nation," he said. "We want New York State to be by far the best state for women."

Cuomo proposed the Women's Equality Act, a package of legislation that encompasses the Reproductive Health Act, during the 2013 State of the State Address.

The governor says his 10-Point Women's Equality Act will break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality based on gender. The Governor's 10-Point proposal will:

• Protect a Woman's Freedom of Choice by Enacting the Reproductive Health Act
  
• Achieve Pay Equity
• Stop Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces
  
• Allow for the Recovery of Attorneys' Fees in Employment and Credit and Lending Cases
• Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws
  
• End Family Status Discrimination
• Stop Source-of-Income Discrimination
  
• Stop Housing Discrimination for Victims of Domestic Violence
  
• Stop Pregnancy Discrimination Once and For All
  
• Protect Victims of Domestic Violence by Strengthening Order-of-Protection Laws