S5402

The New York State Senate passed legislation amending the Domestic Relations Law to prohibit judges from considering a parent's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or gender reassignment status when making child custody determinations. Senate Print 5402, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, passed on a 48-10 roll call vote. Hoylman-Sigal, whose district includes Stonewall, framed the measure as a critical protection for transgender families amid what he described as a nationwide campaign targeting transgender children. He cited 474 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across state legislatures, with 48 already enacted and 14 states banning gender-affirming care for minors. Sen. Jabari Brisport supported the bill, emphasizing that children's best interests are served by remaining with their parents regardless of family composition. Ten senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, and Walczyk. The bill takes effect immediately.