In the News:

New York transgender rights bill advances
Task Force hails NY Gov. David Paterson’s marriage
      equality directive
Congressional Equality Caucus for LGBT Americans forms
Pride in the Motor City

New York transgender rights bill advances

The New York Assembly passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) on Tuesday by a 102–33 vote. The measure, which moves to the Senate, would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations and would add gender identity or expression to the state’s hate crimes law. New York extended protections on the basis of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task Force has worked with the Empire State Pride Agenda and others since then to amend the law to add gender identity or expression protections, including by helping draft GENDA.

“This is a very exciting victory for the people of New York, particularly transgender people. Legislation of this sort is not only responsible public policy, it also shows the nation that New York is unafraid to join the ranks of states that value all of their citizens, including those who are transgender or who express their gender in ways that reflect the broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity.”
— Task Force Acting Executive Director Rea Carey

[ Read the full statement ]

Task Force hails NY Gov. David Paterson’s marriage equality directive

The Task Force Action Fund hails New York Gov. David Paterson’s recent directive to state agencies instructing them to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples that are legally performed out of state as fully valid in New York. During the Task Force’s April 7 New York Leadership Awards, the governor spoke about his unwavering support for marriage equality and vowed “to push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state.” You can watch that video here.

“Governor Paterson vowed he would ‘push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state,’ and his directive to state agencies shows he is a man of his word and a true leader when it comes to standing up for all New Yorkers and standing up for full equality.”
— Task Force Acting Executive Director Rea Carey

[ Read the full statement ]

Congressional Equality Caucus for LGBT Americans forms

The Task Force Action Fund commends the formation of the Congressional Equality Caucus for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans. Congressional leaders announced the launch of the caucus — which has more than 50 members — yesterday at a Capitol Hill press conference.

“We applaud this historic event, where a diverse coalition of congressional members has come together in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. The caucus consists of members who are longtime allies and friends of our community, and we look forward to working with them in the next Congress to advance key legislative priorities around hate crimes, a repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act.”
— Task Force Acting Executive Director Rea Carey

[ Read the full statement ]

Pride in the Motor City

Over the weekend, Task Force staff and supporters continued to celebrate Pride season by attending Motor City Pride in the Detroit metro area. We were able to reconnect with participants and volunteers (who were still bubbling from enthusiasm) from the 2008 National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, which was held in Detroit in early February. Our Pride tent was pink, proud and located right in center of the festival on 9 Mile Road. Kudos to the Triangle Foundation for putting on a great festival! Next stop on the Pride tour is Christopher Street West/LA Pride in West Hollywood this weekend. Come by and say hello!

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