Governor Andrew Cuomo has just given the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Asexual/Allies community of New York another reason to cheer when he introduced the state-wide regulations forbidding unlawful discrimination on the basis of transgender status, gender identity and gender dysphoria during the Empire Pride State Agenda's (fall dinner on Oct. 22.
This is just another addition to Gov. Cuomo's support to the transgender community who, in spite of being a part of the LGBTQA+ community, is given the least protection.
Gov. Cuomo used his executive powers and instructed the New York State Division of Human Rights to come up with a regulation that would include transgenders in the anti-discrimination act. The new regulation extends to both public and private individuals and will be enforced by both the Division of Human Rights and the Attorney-General's Office. The regulations are still subject to a 45-day notice and comment period but, if things run smoothly, it can be expected to take effect in December.
"We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment against transgender people anywhere in the State of New York - period," Gov. Cuomo said. While transgenders residing and working in New York were "protected" under the law before, it only extends to state workers but now, with the new regulations in place, transgenders are sure that they are protected [pdf] no matter what city or country they travel to.
"This is a big step to correct one of the state's great injustices. Transgender New Yorkers will now have more confidence that discrimination in homes, jobs, and public accommodations will not be tolerated," Senator Daniel Squadron said.
Sen. Squadron has been working together with Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick to push the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) which promotes the protection of the rights of LGBTQA+ individuals but has been repetitively blocked by the majority in the State Senate.
"After years of tireless advocacy, we've won a tremendous victory for transgender civil rights with Governor Cuomo's announcement tonight," ESPA's Executive Director, Nathan Schaefer, said.
Watch Gov. Cuomo's speech below.
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