Equality Federation applauds New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who announced tonight at Federation member Empire State Pride Agenda’s gala that he will issue regulations to protect transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment, credit, education, and public accommodations.

Governor Cuomo will direct the State Division of Human Rights to issue regulations that would extend existing protections against discrimination in New york’s Human Rights Law so that protections based on sex are defined to include gender identity, gender expression, and gender dysphoria.

“We congratulate Empire State Pride Agenda for their tremendous advocacy and extend our gratitude to the Governor for taking this important step so that all New Yorkers, including transgender people and their families, are treated with fairness and equality,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation. “We thank all of the coalition members as well as Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried for championing nondiscrimination legislation for all these years while facing staunch opposition.”

Nathan Schaefer, Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda said, “After years of tireless advocacy, we’ve won a tremendous victory for transgender civil rights with Governor Cuomo’s announcement tonight. We look forward to working with the Administration to quickly implement these regulations so transgender New Yorkers are protected from discrimination—a basic civil right that is long overdue.”

After a 45 day comment period, people who have experienced discrimination based on their gender identity will be able to file complaints with the Division of Human Rights, the state attorney general, or through the courts.