Update: Miriam just sent me this update and it articulates another perspective on GENDA. What do others think?
Via the Curvature, today is the state-wide call in day to get GENDA passed. GENDA is the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and provides anti-discrimination protection under the law in the area of housing, job discrimination and other sites of potential discrimination. From the wording of the act itself, the Transgender Law and Policy Institute tell us why GENDA was written,
To ensure that transgender people are included in the New York State human rights law, Senator Thomas Duane and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried have introduced legislation that adds the category of "gender identity or expression" to the state's Human Rights law, and defined that category in the law's definition section. If passed, this statutory language will make it clear to all New Yorkers that no one should be subject to discrimination because of their gender identity or gender expression. The definition as written is very similar to the definitions used in New Mexico, Rhode Island, Boston, Baltimore, New York City and many other jurisdictions.
The passage of the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in 2002 was not enough and doesn't apply to the rights of the trans community. Read more about it here and if in NY call your Senator today and demand that they vote for GENDA. Call in TODAY, this bill has passed the Assembly and needs to get to the Senate floor NOW.
Information on how to call-in reposted from Cara's spot via Empire State Pride Agenda after the jump.
We need you to get on the phone and call the lead Senate sponsor Tom Duane and your Senator to tell them that you want them to bring GENDA to the Senate floor and pass it. We're in the final stretch and it is vital that they hear from you.With more than half of the Senators indicating their support for GENDA, we know that we have enough votes to get it passed in the Senate if it comes to the floor for a vote. So now is the time to call Senator Duane and your State Senator!
Talking Points:
Reach Tom Duane at (518) 455-2451 and find your Senator's Albany phone number here. Call their offices on Wednesday to tell them that the time is now to end discrimination against transgender New Yorkers.
Remember to give them the number of the GENDA bill (S.2406).
Ask your Senator to vote for GENDA, and ask lead Senate Sponsor Tom Duane to bring the bill to the floor for a vote now.
Tell them about the broad support for GENDA statewide, including:
* 78% of New York voters
* Unions representing 2.1 million working New Yorkers
* 27 Fortune 500 companies based in cities like Rochester, Corning, New York City and White Plains.
* 344 clergy and lay leaders, representing over 20 different denominationsWorking together, we can make this happen! Start making those phone calls now!
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Without legislation like this, ANYONE could be discriminated against for being too masculine or too feminine for their sex. This kind of stuff matters to transpeople, but it also matters a lot to cispeople too.
Exactly, blickblocks.