ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) | New York has enacted a measure adding gender identity and gender expression to the state’s anti-discrimination law, making it illegal to deny people a job, housing, education or public accommodations because they are transgender.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law on Jan. 25, along with a bill prohibiting conversion therapy. That is when a therapist tries to change a person’s sexual orientation.
The bills passed last week after being blocked for years by Republican lawmakers. That changed when Democrats won control of the state Senate in November.
Cuomo signed the bills at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in Manhattan.
Cuomo issued an executive order in 2015 adding gender identity to the law banning discrimination based on age, gender or religion. Supporters wanted the change made in statute.
