Greens Support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Rights

Author: Mark Dunlea

Topic: Articles

We, as Greens, are committed to establishing relationships that honor diversity; that support the self-definition and self-determination of all people; and that consciously confront the barriers of racism, sexism, homophobia, class oppression, ageism, and the many ways our culture separates us from working together to define and solve our common problems.

The Greens affirm the right to openly embrace sexual orientation in the intimate choice of who we love. Greens support the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people in housing, jobs, civil marriage and benefits, child custody - and in all areas of life, the right to be treated equally with all other people.

The Greens recognize that the right to work and to live free from discrimination based on one's sexual orientation or gender identity a basic human right.

In the New York State Legislature, the Greens have supported legislation to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including::

• the rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in housing, jobs, benefits, child custody and all areas of life;
• the legal recognition of gay and lesbian relationships;
• legislation to provide penalties for acts of violence and intimidation motivated by bias based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation
• enactment of legislation to require private organizations and clubs whose membership services significant business purpose to accept members on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to an individuals race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

The Greens support passage of the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (S.720/A.1971). Currently, it is perfectly legal in New York State to be fired from your job, evicted from your apartment, refused service in a restaurant, or denied a home loan simply because you are gay or perceived to be gay. The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act would remedy this by amending the already-existing state human rights laws to include sexual orientation. The law already protects against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, and marital status for employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit.

In New York City, the Greens support the transgender anti-discrimination bill. This legislation would amend the New York City human rights ordinance to add the phrase 'gender identity or expression,' the first significant amendment of the law since the inclusion of sexual orientation in 1987