Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

(January 26, 2019) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo made history in New York last week by signing landmark legislation protecting women’s reproductive rights, modernizing New York’s voting laws and protecting LGBTQ rights. These are all key components of Governor Cuomo’s 2019 Justice Agenda for the first 100 days of the new legislative session unveiled on December 17, 2018.

On January 22, Governor Cuomo fulfilled his promise to sign into law the Reproductive Health Act, a key component of the 2019 Justice Agenda, within the first 30 days of the new legislative session. The Reproductive Health Act protects women’s reproductive rights by ensuring New Yorkers can make personal healthcare decisions and medical professionals can provide crucial services without fear of criminal penalty. The legislation codifies Roe v. Wade into New York State law.

On January 24, the Governor signed legislation to begin the process of bringing New York State’s voting laws into the 21st Century. These historic new laws will allow for eight days of early voting before an election, synchronize federal and state primary elections, allow voter preregistration for teenagers, provide voter registration portability within the state, and close the LLC loophole.

On January 25, Governor Cuomo signed into law the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and legislation banning the practice of conversion therapy, signifying a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community.