Andrew Cuomo, Governor Of New York, Adds Transgender Protection to Anti-Discrimination Law

As The New York Times reports, Governor Of New York, Andrew Cuomo, added transgender protection to Anti-Discrimination Law via executive action on Thursday. The Governor announced the politically divisive decision at the a dinner for Empire State Pride Agenda The group is prominent in advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Speaking at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, Cumo said "Transgendered individuals deserve the same civil right that protects them from discrimination."

He also mentioned that he would ensure the State Division of Human Rights issue regulations that protect against identity, gender, and dysphoria, originating from a 1945 New York State law. Mr. Cuomo has long been seen as a supporter of this contentious issue, but has largely dragged his feet on enacting legislation. However, on Thursday he said, speaking of transgendered individuals, "The law left out the T, so to speak. That was not right, it was not fair, and it was not legal."

The issue has plagued New York lawmakers for years, who have repeatedly tried to pass such measures. The New York State Assembly, controlled by the Democrats, has long advocated transgender protections. However, every time they pass protective legislation, it s obstructed in the New York State Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.

After the State Assembly failed, yet again, to pass "Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act" in June, Nathan M. Schaefer, executive director of Empire State Pride, called the lack of passage an "abdominal failure." In a prepared statement, Schaefer said, "With this shameful betrayal, it's clear that dysfunction still reigns in Albany."

However, after the executive order on Thursday, Schaefer said, ""This is a tremendous step forward. It goes a really long way towards extending nondiscrimination protections for transgender New Yorkers."

The action follows Governor Cuomo's push to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, and solidifies his solid standing with the LGBTQ community.