The North Hempstead Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to its code on Tuesday protecting town workers from discrimination based on gender identity.
Town employees and companies engaged in business with the town were previously protected from discrimination and harassment based on “age, race, creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation or veteran status of any person.”
With the amendment, individuals who identify as transgender or without gender at all will now receive specific protection under the law.
Neither Nassau County or New York State have the same provision, but similar language appearing in anti-bias legislation in Suffolk County and New York City.
“This law is meant to protect everyone,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said.
The council’s 7-0 vote followed a public hearing during which civil rights advocates and members of the transgender community pressed for the bill’s passage.
“As discrimination against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals persists, the need for explicit protection is imperative,” said Jason Starr, director of the Nassau County chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, noting courts often do not rule favorably in bias cases involving individuals who identify as transgender.
Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of the Long Island Transgender Advocacy Coalition, cited a recent survey that she said found that transgender individuals are more likely to face discrimination in finding housing and maintaining employment, often turning to drug-dealing and sex work for income.
“Few live the Bruce Jenner transition. Many lose their jobs, their homes and their families when they come out,” she said, adding, “Make no mistake about it: Your vote here tonight will impact other municipalities around the state as well as various levels of government.”
The coalition, also known as LITAC, plans to hold a rally June 14 at the Nassau County Legislature to call for equal protection within the county.
In other developments:
• The council approved a pilot program to allow dogs at the Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset and in parts of North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington and Michael B. Tully Park in New Hyde Park.
Dogs were previously not allowed in any of the town’s 52 parks, but officials said it was a step forward for the eventual proposal of a full-run dog park.
Residents will be required to keep their dogs on leashes and clean up after them.
A series of rules allowing dogs at North Hempstead Beach Park will be determined in the coming weeks, though trustees said dogs will not be allowed on the beach itself.
