KINGSTON – Ulster County Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky, a
Kingston Democrat, announced Thursday that she will introduce a local
law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity at places
of public accommodation, resort or amusement.
“I think it is time for this country to protect all its citizens
regardless of gender, color, or race. Until that day comes, it is time
for local governments to take responsibility for protecting their residents
and to make sure that everyone is treated equally,” she said.
“It is meant to be, first and foremost, about human rights and civil
rights, so that it is meant to prevent discrimination of any type regardless
of your gender identification at birth on your birth certificate,”
she said. “The idea is whatever gender you identify as, that’s
the gender identity that needs to be respected by that business.”
Berky is also introducing a memorializing resolution telling the state
legislature that county lawmakers support state proposals for gender equality.
She hopes to gain support from fellow legislators to pass both measures.
