NYS Assembly Passes GENDA, Passage Uncertain in Senate

By a 91-40 vote, the New York Assembly passed GENDA, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, or GENDA, which would protect transgender people under the state's Human Rights Law. The vote came with bipartisan support. This is the third time GENDA has passed in the Assembly and unfortunately it has yet to pass in the more conservative Senate.

The Senate bill is being stalled in a committee whose membership includes Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr, the rabidly anti-gay Bronx Pentecostal minister who is the leading opponent of gay rights and marriage equality in the state. Diaz Sr. wants to add "anti-transgender rights" to that portfolio, Gay City News reports.

GENDA currently awaits action in the Investigations and Government Operations Committee chaired by Nassau County Democrat Craig Johnson. Though Johnson is a strong supporter of the measure, he has been unable to overcome opposition by fellow Democrat Ruben Diaz, Sr., a Bronx Pentecostal minister and fierce LGBT rights foe, in forging a majority in the committee where Democrats hold a 5-3 edge. For the moment, at least, the bill cannot move to the floor without the committee’s approval.

Another obstacle in the Senate could be Joseph Addabbo, the Queens Democrat who infuriated LGBT advocates when he voted against the marriage equality bill in December after enjoying "significant gay support" in his first Senate win in 2008. GCN adds: "Curiously, Addabbo voted for the city’s transgender civil rights measure while on the City Council in 2002." The freshman senator is being targeted by gay donors and activists for replacement.

In December, Gov. David Paterson issued an executive order covering state employees that bans discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Only 13 states and the District of Columbia have laws to protect transgender people from employment, credit, public accommodation and housing discrimination. Several cities and counties in New York, including Rochester and New York City, have similar GENDA laws.

Comments

[Nathan James]

With the current political climate in New York state as it is, I have to wonder if GENDA, gay marriage, or any other LGBT-rights legislation will be passed this year. The outcome of the upcoming gubernatorial and Legislature races will determine whether any of these bills make it to the Governor's desk, or, once there, if they get signed. It would be well for the LGBT Community in New York to remember the 8 Democrats--Diaz among them--who voted against gay marriage in December. It's time to show them the door.

[libhomo]

It's wonderful news that GENDA passed in the Assembly. I hope that for once in his life, Diaz will show some morality and human decency and support it.