New York has a protective legislative landscape for transgender individuals, with minimal anti-trans legislation compared to other states. While one notable anti-trans bill has been proposed, the state has instead passed several pro-trans protections, including a "Safe Haven" law and a constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.
2019:
- Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA): Added gender identity and expression to New York's Human Rights Law, barring discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas
2023:
- "Safe Haven" law (June 2023): Protected minors' access to gender-affirming care and prevented New York from cooperating with other states that criminalize such care
2024:
- Constitutional Amendment: Approved by voters, prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, among other protected categories
2025:
- New York City Council legislative package (April 2025): Multiple bills increasing legal protections for healthcare access and civil rights for transgender New Yorkers, including the "Affirm Act" establishing protections for those accessing gender-affirming care in the city
2023:
- 2 anti-trans bills tracked overall (significantly fewer than national trend of 615 bills)
2025:
- "Protect Women's Sports from Unfair Competition" bill: Sponsored by Republican state Senator George Borello and Assembly Member Andy Goodell
- Would ban transgender girls from competing in middle and high school competitive sports
- Cites biological differences between men and women
- Remains in committee as of search results
| Name |
Party |
Chamber |
Key Actions |
| Sen. George Borello |
R |
Senate |
Sponsored "Protect Women's Sports" bill |
| Asm. Andy Goodell |
R |
Assembly |
Sponsored "Protect Women's Sports" bill |
| Date |
Event |
| January 2019 |
GENDA enacted |
| June 2023 |
"Safe Haven" law enacted |
| 2023 |
2 anti-trans bills tracked |
| 2024 |
Constitutional amendment approved by voters |
| April 2025 |
NYC Council legislative package passed |
- Trans Legislation Tracker 2023/NY
- City & State NY - Laws Impacting Trans New Yorkers
- NYC Council Press Release (April 2025)
- LegiScan - S01783
- NY Senate - S1532
Last updated: 2026-04-02