Cuomo's State of the State Short on Justice for Transgender New Yorkers

At yesterday's "State of the State" address, Governor Cuomo recalled his victories on social justice issues like the passage of marriage equality and the closing of several prisons in New York State last year. But while announcing his legislative plans for 2012, passing the GENDA bill for transgender New Yorkers was not among them.

"We were thrilled when GENDA passed the Assembly last June, but disappointed we didn't get further," said Carmelita Cruz, Director of NYS Advocacy & Organizing for Housing Works. "So we'll be back in the Albany this year, fighting for the basic civil rights protects for transgender New Yorkers."

There are 16 states and Washington, D.C. with nondiscrimination laws for transgender individuals. people in employment. Massachusetts, Nevada and Connecticut all passed transgender civil rights legislation in 2011. GENDA goes back to the Assembly next week when the new session begins. This April will mark the 9th anniversary of GENDA's introduction to the state legislature.

"This year, we are confident that the Assembly will pass the bill again," said Cruz. "We are very hopeful that the Republican majority in the State Senate will take a meaningful look at the legislation and support its passage this year."

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