LGBTQ Rights Campaign
LGBTQ Rights Campaign
In May 2019, Governor Cuomo launched a campaign to legalize gestational surrogacy and ban the gay and trans panic defense before the legislative session ended on June 19, 2019. The legalization of gestational surrogacy would allow same-sex couples and couples struggling with infertility to conceive a child through assisted reproduction. A ban on the gay and trans panic legal defense would prohibit people accused of violent crimes from using homophobia and transphobia as a viable defense strategy in court.
January 2020
Campaign Update
Gay/Trans Panic Defense Banned
On June 30, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that prohibits people accused of violent crimes from using homophobia and transphobia as a viable defense strategy in court.
Fight Continues to Legalize Surrogacy
In 2020, Governor Cuomo is fighting again to legalize gestational surrogacy to help support LGBTQ couples and people struggling with fertility to start families.
Championing LGBTQ Rights
Always on the Front Lines Fighting for Full Protections
Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act
Governor Cuomo signed into law the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and legislation banning the practice of conversion therapy.
Health Care Protections for Transgender New Yorkers
Governor Cuomo announced actions to counter the Trump Administration's expected efforts to legalize discrimination against transgender individuals seeking health care.
Marriage Equality Act
Governor Cuomo spearheaded the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry under the law.