Brooklyn, NY – Yesterday, the New York State Legislature passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which establishes protections for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. The Legislature also passed another initiative, Banning Conversion Therapy to prohibit mental health specialists from engaging in efforts through therapy to change the sexual orientation of an individual under the age of 18.

“The NYS Legislature made history today," says Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. "It is my pleasure to be a part of the decision to enshrine protections and make sure no one can be or feel that they can be erased because of their identity. Everyone, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, should have a right to a happy and healthy life, free of discrimination of any kind including being protected against hate crimes. Human rights are non-negotiable."

GENDA, (A00747) seeks to amend the Penal Law to include gender identity and gender expression as protected classed in the state’s human rights and hate crimes laws. This bill will also prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and accommodations against people of all gender identities and expressions. After 16 years of being stalled in the Senate, this bill finally passed with our reformed Legislature. The New York State Assembly and Senate are committed to progressive initiatives and change for the better.

A00576 ensures that any mental health professional found to be attempting to alter the sexual orientation of an individual under the age of 18 would be subject to professional misconduct and its applicable penalties. The effects of such engagement are detrimental to the health of LGBTQ individuals.

The New York State Legislature stands with the LGBTQ community, by ensuring justice and protection in the law.