The Sullivan Ordinance was introduced in New York City to address what some officials considered a moral decline stemming from women smoking in public. The ordinance aimed to impose prohibitions against women smoking in places such as parks and streets, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time that sought to regulate women's behavior in public. It highlighted the discomfort many felt with women's growing visibility and independence in society. The proposed legislation was met with a mix of approval and disapproval, as some viewed it as a necessary measure for maintaining societal standards, while others viewed it as an affront to women’s rights and freedoms.

Mayor George B. McClellan Jr. became a pivotal figure in this narrative when he vetoed the ordinance. His veto was a significant statement against societal norms that sought to control women's actions. By rejecting the Sullivan Ordinance, McClellan aligned himself with a more progressive perspective, recognizing that limiting women's rights in public spaces was counterproductive to the broader movements advocating for gender equality. This decision instigated broader discussions about women’s roles in society and the consequences of legislation based on outdated gender norms.

The veto reflected a changing societal perspective on women's rights that was beginning to take hold in the early 20th century. As women previously confined to domestic roles began to assert their presence in public life, events like the debate surrounding the Sullivan Ordinance demonstrated the tension between traditional values and the burgeoning notion of women’s independence and personal choice. Legislative actions like this highlighted the ongoing struggle for women's rights, which continued to evolve into the suffrage movement and beyond.