Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE - Sag Harbor) announced he helped pass anti-discrimination legislation, including the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) to protect the rights of transgender individuals in New York State (A.3358, A.4977, A.6659). Always the leader when it comes to fairness and equality – including passing marriage equality legislation for years before it finally became law – the Assembly Majority has now passed GENDA for 10 consecutive years.

“New York is a state made strong by its diversity and commitment to progress, but that hasn’t stopped the worst among us from spewing hatred and treating others with disrespect and even violence,” Thiele said. “The Assembly Majority has yet again taken a stand against discrimination in all forms, because each and every person has the right to live their lives without being subjected to bigotry and intolerance.”

Protecting the transgender community

Current law protects News Yorkers from discrimination based on sex, creed, nationality, disability, military status, marital status and sexual orientation. GENDA expands New York State’s protected classes to include gender identity and expression. The measure also classifies offenses motivated by gender identity or expression as hate crimes and prohibits housing, education and employment discrimination based on gender identity and expression A.3358.

“Transgender individuals are facing a battery of assaults on their basic rights, and we must do all we can to pass laws that protect them,” Thiele said. “We see the ramifications every single day – transgender people are more likely to be harassed at work, become homeless and be denied essential services. That’s no way for anyone to live.”

While there have been efforts by cities and counties in New York to protect the transgender community, protection for transgender and gender nonconforming people is inconsistent statewide. It is important to pass GENDA so all transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers have equal and uniform protections, and the pressure is especially on now that federal protections are being systematically dismantled, noted Thiele.

Safeguarding religious freedom

The Assembly also passed a measure prohibiting employment discrimination against religious attire, including facial hair A.4977. The legislation prevents employers from requiring a person to violate or forego requirements of their religion unless the employer can prove it causes an undue hardship on their business.

“Religious freedom is what makes this nation a beacon of light and hope across the world,” Thiele said. “We must do everything we can to uphold and protect it.”

Ensuring education free of discrimination

Further, the Assembly’s legislative package includes a measure extending the anti-discrimination protections of the state’s Human Rights Law to all public schools A.6659. Currently, ambiguity in the law and a recent decision from the state’s highest court has led to the protections pertaining only to private schools, rather than all educational institutions.

“Every student deserves to learn in an environment free of harassment and bullying,” said Thiele. “New York is a melting pot of people from all backgrounds and it’s what makes us great. There is no room for hate.”