New York to Ban Gender Identity Discrimination, Anti-Gay Therapy

Lawmakers in New York state have voted to ban gay conversion therapy and add gender identity and expression to the state's anti-discrimination laws.

The measures passed the Senate and Assembly on Tuesday. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign both bills.

The ban on conversion therapy would prohibit licensed therapists from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation. Fourteen states have already passed similar laws.

The anti-bias bill, also known as the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), would make it illegal to deny someone a job, housing, public accommodations or education based on gender expression or identity.

Both bills were introduced by New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, an openly gay man representing the 27th District in Manhattan. GENDA was first introduced to the legislature in 2003 and has been reintroduced in nearly every year since, but it has never passed until now. The anti-conversion therapy bill was first introduced in 2013 but was not able to pass the Senate until now. 

“As the Trump administration continues to roll back protections for LGBTQ Americans, today’s victory sends a strong message to LGBTQ New Yorkers across the state: you are loved, understood, and protected by your state government,” said Hoylman. “We will not let you down.”