New York Gov. David Paterson signed an order Dec. 16 that bans employment discrimination based on gender identity and expression regarding state workers, accoridng to Bay Windows.
Twelve states and Washington, D.C., have laws that protect employees from those forms of discrimination. Nine other states have orders similar to New York’s, which only protect state workers.
In a statement, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said, “Governor Paterson has taken significant action to advance equality for all New York state employees. The ability to provide for our families is non-negotiable. We applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to the LGBT community and look forward to working with fair-minded New York legislators to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act which will protect private employees.”
“New York and the rest of the country benefit when good, competent workers are allowed to do their jobs free from discrimination. The governor’s action today will help ensure this happens. People should be judged on their performance, not their gender identity or expression, period. We thank Governor Paterson for this important advance,” said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in a separate press release.