The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, has signed five new bills into legislation protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the state.
The historic legislation serves to provide three key protections.
Firstly, it establishes New York state as a “safe haven” for trans youths, their families and doctors by prohibiting out-of-state agencies and laws from effecting gender-affirming care within the state. It also prohibits people who travel to New York for care from being subpoenaed under out-of-state legislation.
The second bill ensures that anyone seeking substance-abuse services must be provided treatment related to their gender identity. It is hoped that this will serve to counter some of the issues that compound mental health and stigma surrounding addiction within the community.
Lastly, two new bills were passed relating to gender-neutral language in state laws and on state websites. They also update the definition of “sexual orientation” in the state’s human rights law to include “heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or asexuality, whether actual or perceived”.
In a rousing speech ahead of the Manhattan Pride parade on Sunday, June 25, Governor Hochul made a defiant declaration to stand against the erasure of LGBTQ+ rights in other states before signing the new legislation.
She began, “Today, we celebrate the values that define us as New Yorkers. We embrace love and equality, progress and acceptance, unity and celebration. And we’ve come here to say we are reaffirming our 1000% support for this magnificent community”.
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Condemning the actions of other states, she said, “…we are in solidarity with the rest of America. And this year, as if these other state governments have nothing else to do, they’ve introduced over 500 anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation”.
She continued, “This is wrong. It is an injustice, and our friends should not have to be enduring these injustices.”
After introducing the change in “acquiring gender-neutral terms” in state laws, she passionately remarked, “…because why not? Why not, why not, that’s all you have to say is, ‘why not’.”
Earlier this month, Governor Hochul appointed the first trans person as a judge to a New York state court. She also passed legislation protecting abortion rights in the state.
Concluding her speech, she declared, “We will always be that beacon to the rest of the nation on how to do it right”.
We’re making it clear: No matter who you are or who you love, you are valued & respected in New York State.
I’m at the New York City Pride march signing legislation to protect & support our LGBTQ+ neighbors. Watch live: https://t.co/kjOsJktCCI
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 25, 2023
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