https://now.ny.gov/page/s/legalize-surrogacy-lgbtq
New York has proudly led the way for LGBTQ rights. In 2011, New York was the first large state to pass marriage equality. Earlier this year, we were proud to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and ban conversion therapy.
But there are still two laws in our books that go against these values, and with only six days left in the session, the Legislature must act quickly.
Join me in calling on the Legislature to legalize surrogacy and ban the “gay and trans panic” legal defense.
Sign the petition.
We must legalize gestational surrogacy.
New York is one of only three states that criminalizes the practice, forcing New Yorkers to leave the state if they wish to start a family through surrogacy. In 2019, no one should have to forfeit the joy of raising a child. Legalizing surrogacy will bring this joy not only to LGBTQ couples but also to couples struggling with infertility.
We must ban the “gay and trans panic” legal defense.
Shockingly, in New York State a person accused of a violent crime against an LGBTQ individual can use their own anti-gay or anti-trans bias as a legitimate legal defense. Under the “gay and trans panic” defense, their assailants are able to appeal for lesser sentences in the courtroom by putting blame on a victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s repugnant, and it must be banned.
If the Legislature acts quickly on these issues, New York can send a clear message to the LGBTQ community and to all New Yorkers that we won’t settle for anything less than full equality under the law.
Ever Upward,
WHIRL In!
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