New York State Insider: [PRESS STATEMENT] SENATOR BIAGGI CELEBRATES REPEAL OF THE WALKING WHILE TRANS LAW.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021

SENATOR BIAGGI CELEBRATES REPEAL OF THE WALKING WHILE TRANS LAW.

BRONX, NY – Yesterday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.1351/A.3355) passed by the New York State Legislature to repeal the harmful 1970’s law known as ‘Walking While Trans.’ The existence of this law has led to discriminatory enforcement by targeting trans women and communities of color across the state. Sponsored by Senator Hoylman, the legislation repeals the crime of “Loitering for the Purposes of Engaging in Prostitution.” 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“For far too long our penal code has disproportionately criminalized trans women of color for simply existing, and has threatened the safety of LGBTQ+ communities across the state. The repeal of the Walking While Trans Ban is a critical step forward in protecting trans New Yorkers and communities of color, and it is a true honor to join my colleagues in passing this legislation. I extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Hoylman for his leadership on this issue, and to the trans New Yorkers who tirelessly fought to move this bill forward.”