Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights
The Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights addresses legal and policy issues as well as employment rules and procedures in legal institutions and in the court system affecting lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender individuals. Recent projects of the Committee include: “Why Should New York Support Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples,” a report that was used to help lobby New York State legislators to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act in June 2011; a report to Governor Cuomo highlighting the most significant issues facing LGBT New Yorkers; a public forum addressing religious exemptions in same-sex marriage legislation; and a public forum addressing the impact of bullying on LGBT youth. The Committee is comprised of a diverse group of attorneys from private practice, the corporate sector, public interest, government and academia.
Recent Reports
Letter in support for Senator Leahy’s Amendments 6 and 7 to the Boarder Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, S.744 , which would include same sex spouses and permanent partners in family reunification immigration laws (May 2013) ( PDF )
Subject area: Same Sex Spouses/Permanent Partners, Recognition of in Family Reunification Immigration Laws
Report on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) (May 2013) ( PDF )
Subject area: Same-Sex Marriage
Report on the Need to Modernize New York State Policy Regarding Proof Required to Change Gender Designation on a New York State Birth Certificate (March 2013) ( PDF )
Subject area: Transgender Rights
For the full list of committee reports click here
Legislative Activity
For more information on the legislative and policy work of the committee, including relevant reports, bill texts and additional advocacy materials, click here.
Resources
What Passage of the Marriage Equality Law Will Mean for Same-Sex Couples in New York: A Multidisciplinary Forum - 10/4/11 Event Materials
Of Interest
Policy Recommendations for New York City's Next Mayor (PDF)
New York City Bar Association Hosts Public Forum on LGBT Rights in Africa (April 2012) (Blog)