New York Bill Adds Transgender Community to Social Justice Program

A New York lawmaker has proposed bill that would extend the benefits of the state’s cannabis social equity program to members of the transgender and non-binary communities.

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), passed by New York legislature in March, contains social and economic justice provisions aimed at bringing minority and corporate ownership to members of communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs by women, women-owned businesses, and other marginalized and underrepresented groups.

The law does not specifically mention transgender or non-binary individuals, policies that inadvertently compel such individuals to choose “between their gender identity and being given priority for a license,” according to a recent report by New York State Democratic Senator Jeremy Cooney, presented bill. For example, a non-binary or transgender person assigned the female gender at birth would have to declare the wrong gender to be eligible for social and economic equality benefits.

“The MRTA was developed with a focus on equity in all phases of implementation in the new cannabis market for recreational use by adults. I am proud to support laws built on this foundation to include members of the transgender and non-binary communities, ”Cooney said in a press release. “No New Yorker should have to choose between their identity and their economic opportunities. I look forward to creating a more inclusive new cannabis market for members of the LGTBQ + community. “

Under Cooney’s proposal, Senate Law 7157, the MRTA would be amended to explicitly include transgender and non-binary individuals in the license priority renewal provisions. Legislation defines a transgender or binary person as “any person who has a gender identity or expression other than that assigned to that person at birth”.

“This legislation would help prevent New Yorkers who are transgender or non-binary from being denied this economic opportunity for living as their authentic selves. It also recognizes that these New Yorkers suffer financially from social and systemic biases and that steps must be taken to mitigate that harm, ”said Kevin Barry, president of the Greater Rochester LGBTQ + Political Caucus, of Cooney’s bill. “While there is still a long way to go, this bill is a well thought out step towards justice for those who are transgender or non-binary. It is vital that the legislature take this part of its constituency into account when making or voting on legislation. “

Support proposal for proponents

Rachel Leavy, the owner of Infused Events Rochester, applauded Cooney’s bill as it campaigned loudly to legalize recreational marijuana and protect the non-heterosexual community.

“As an activist in both the cannabis and LGBTQIA + worlds, I am delighted that the legislation overlaps the two,” said Leavy. “If this law is passed, I will have a chance to participate in the cannabis industry and create a space for the queer community that offers safe cannabis access, career opportunities and ongoing outreach. This bill is just the beginning of something much bigger to address the long overdue representation of trans- and non-binary people like me. “

Amanda Babine, executive director of social and political advocacy Equality New York, said the organization is “proud to support the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.”

“Since it was passed, we have focused on how to ensure that the introduction of this legislation is truly fair,” added Babine. “We commend Senator Cooney for introducing legislation to ensure that the Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary (TGNCNB) community is included in the Social and Economic Justice Plan. EQNY was proud to support an ally as strong as Senator Cooney. “

S. 7517 was introduced to the New York Senate by Cooney on November 12 and referred to the Senate committee for consideration. Senator Alessandra Biaggi, also a Democrat, has signed as a co-sponsor of the law. The measure will take effect immediately when passed by lawmakers and signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.