ALBANY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and the Democratic Senate Majority on January 15 passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and a ban on conversion therapy. These are the first LGBTQ-rights bills to pass the legislature since marriage equality was enacted in 2011.

“Eight years ago, I was honored to cast my vote in favor of marriage equality, but have been disappointed we have not considered any legislation since then to combat discrimination against the LGBTQ community,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “By passing GENDA and banning conversion therapy, the new Senate majority is making the protection of all New Yorkers a priority.”

GENDA provides protections for trans* New Yorkers and prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and expression. The ban on conversion therapy prohibits therapists from attempting to “cure” homosexuality.