Statement of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer about S.460 on Senate Education Agenda

“Today I voted ‘no’ on S.460 (Rhoads), a bill that was brought before my committee under Senate rules which allow members to force a vote on their bill. I strongly oppose this proposed legislation.

“New York State Education Law and Human Rights Law already provide clear protections against discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, including protecting transgender students’ right to play sports in school according to their gender identity. The State Education Department and Attorney General have affirmed these rights and protections in the face of recent blatant attacks on transgender students by the Trump Administration. And New Yorkers overwhelmingly voted in support of enshrining protections for LGBTQ New Yorkers in our state constitution last November. 

“S.460 is misguided and mean-spirited. As someone who represents transgender children and their families in my district and across the state, I want to be clear that it is not appropriate for us in the Legislature to target or bully trans kids. As with all children in our state, transgender children deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and included.”

S.460 was placed on the May 6 Senate Education Committee agenda pursuant to a Republican motion for committee consideration. This is a procedural tool which, if filed correctly, requires the chair to bring a bill up for a vote. Senator Mayer voted against this legislation.