Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced the passage of legislation he authored that would enhance state government’s understanding of the needs and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community (A.7669-A).

“The LGBT community has diverse social, health, educational and economic experiences,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “Issues unique to the lives of LGBT New Yorkers need to be taken into consideration by state government, so it can better serve this community.”

The bill would require every state agency, board or commission that currently collects demographic data on ethnic to include additional categories for gender identity or expression as well as sexual orientation in order to provide better services.

“While we are making progress on LGBT issues, the fight is far from over,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “It’s time for New York state to recognize and treat LGBT rights as human rights. LGBT New Yorkers deserve the same protections and services as every New Yorker.”

Assemblymember Bronson is also currently co-sponsoring three bills that would expand equality and justice for the LGBT community. These pieces of legislation include the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), The Child-Parent Security Act which ends the ban on third party surrogacy and a bill that would protect youth from conversion efforts.