C OUNTY OF A LBANY C OUNTY L EGISLATURE

112 S TATE S TREET , R OOM 710 A LBANY , N EW Y ORK 12207

P HONE : (518) 447-7168 F AX : (518) 447-5683

www.albanycounty.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Historic human rights law being proposed in Albany County June 10th, 2013
(Albany, NY) In a press conference set for today at 1:30pm at the County Office Building at
112 State Street in the Charles Cahill Room, members of the Albany County Legislatures Democratic Majority will join transgender rights advocates to propose an historic amendment to the Countys human rights law which would make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of ones gender identity or gender expression. Albany County Legislative Chairman and lead sponsor of the legislation Shawn Morse, says that the law is needed to ensure that no individual in the county was being discriminated against. This is about basic human rights, said Morse. We all deserve to be treated equally under the law and to pursue our happiness without fear of discrimination. Members of the transgender community will now have that opportunity in Albany County. Protecting the Citizens of Albany County is our job, said Frank Commisso, Majority Leader, We are all equal, and it saddens me that people have been discriminated against for just being themselves, Local Law D will change that, and I proudly stand behind it. I issued an Executive Order and Directive last June to ensure that all Albany County employees work in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment or reprisal because of gender identity or expression, said Albany County Executive Dan McCoy. That same

guarantee applies to any and all who apply for employment with Albany County. I commend my colleagues in the legislature for amending the existing Omnibus Human Rights Law for Albany County to expand the protection and coverage to all people. Defeating all forms of discrimination throughout the County is so important, said Noelle Kinsch, 6th District Legislator, This law is long overdue and I am ecstatic to be a part of this process of enforcing equality as well as the basic civil and human rights that people of our community deserve! Im proud to be standing with my colleagues today as we announce this historic piece of legislation for Albany County, said Albany County Legislator Chris Higgins. For too long, members of the transgender community have had to face discrimination. Local Law D will ensure that those who are transgender will be treated equally under the law in Albany County. We who are associated with New York Citizens for Transgender Rights want to thank the county legislature for their patient and empathic listening to us over the past months, said New York State Citizens for Transgender rights co-founder Renate Reeves-Ellington. By passing Human Rights Law D, they send a clear message that discrimination in not welcome in Albany County. I want to commend Chairman Morse for his leadership in this effort. Members of the transgender community will be sharing their stories of struggle and discrimination.

For further information please contact Chairman Morses office at 518-447-4957