Taking a step forward in ensuring equality for all New Yorkers, Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced Assembly passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) (A.4226). GENDA, which Assemblymember Bronson co-sponsored, would expand the Human Rights Law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression.

“Despite our state’s longstanding commitment to equal rights, we are still coming up short when it comes to discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “We can no longer ignore the unique struggles transgender individuals face in commonplace activities, such as seeking employment, applying for an apartment or even waiting to be seated at a restaurant. The Assembly’s passage of GENDA brings us one step closer to ensuring equality for all New Yorkers.”

Currently, New York State’s Human Rights Law protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, creed, national origin and sexual orientation, but no protections exist for gender identity and expression. While many supporters of the state’s 2002 Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) believe that the law protects the rights of transgender individuals, that is not the case, noted Assemblymember Bronson.

“Tolerating discrimination of any kind is simply unacceptable,” Assemblymember Bronson said. “As leaders in our state and community, we must remain committed to ensuring every New Yorker is treated respectfully and equally, regardless of his or her gender identity or expression.”