WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the New York State Assembly for its 97-38 vote on Tuesday in support of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). GENDA, which would update existing anti-discrimination laws in New York to prohibit transgender discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and other areas, now moves to the state Senate.

"This is an encouraging vote on much-needed legislation that is simply aimed at making sure everyone in New York receives equal protection under the law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We congratulate the Assembly for once again voting by an overwhelming margin in support of this bill, as well as the Empire State Pride Agenda, and NYAGRA for working to build support for this vital legislation. Transgender people face discrimination every day and they need and deserve these basic legal protections. I hope the Senate will pass this bill and make these protections a reality for all New Yorkers."

The Assembly also voted last year to approve GENDA, but the legislation did not receive a vote in the Senate.

Currently, 12 states plus the District of Columbia prohibit employment discrimination based on gender identity. To learn more about state by state laws, visit: www.hrc.org/state-laws

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.