ALBANY -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, the Senate sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), released the following statement after the Assembly passed the legislation for the fifth time:

"The Assembly's passage of GENDA -- for the fifth time -- should be a wake up call for the Senate Republican leadership. 

"It is simply unacceptable that it's still legal in New York for a person to lose their job or be evicted from their home simply because of their gender identity. Sixteen other states and DC, in addition to New York City and other localities around the state, already have protections in place similar to GENDA; yet New York State remains behind the curve. 

"It's time for the Senate, and for New York, to stand up for what's right and ensure that all New Yorkers are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. Let's get this done."

GENDA (S.6349/Squadron - A.5039/Gottfried) would prohibit discrimination against transgender New Yorkers when it comes to housing, employment, credit, and public accommodations, while expanding New York's hate crimes law to include crimes against transgender individuals. 

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