The old saying is the third time's the charm, and that finally may be applicable to GENDA, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act.If passed, GENDA would add the category of ‘gender identity and expression’ to existing New York State human rights laws that protect residents against discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit.
New York would become the 14th state to have those protections if GENDA becomes law in the state. Gov. David Paterson has stated he will sign it if passed.
GENDA has passed by wide margins in the New York State Assembly, but failed to get out of the more narrowly divided 62 member NY State Senate. It now has a 32-30 Democratic majority.
It passed the General Assembly for the third time back in March by a 100-43 vote, and according to Housing Works on May 27, NY state senator William Stachowski became the latest member to commit to supporting GENDA. It brought the total number of 'yes' votes to 32, enough to pass it.While that is good news, local activists are not relaxing until they see the New York senate actually cast those votes.
Let's hope that our New York state transbrothers and transsisters long wait for coverage under their state's laws may finally be coming to an end.
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