Andy’s ‘firm’ stand vs. bias
GOV. CUOMO signed an executive order banning state agencies from doing business with companies that discriminate, he said Sunday.
The order, which Cuomo characterized as a reaction to moves by the Trump administration to weaken anti-discrimination rules, prohibits state contracts with companies that “promote or tolerate discrimination.”
“New York will fight every action this federal administration takes that attempts to undo progress we have made,” Cuomo said.
“With this executive order, New York reaffirms our commitment to protecting the rights of everyone.”
The order does not define exactly what constitutes promoting or tolerating discrimination, but requires the Office of General Services and Division of Human Rights to put out detailed rules by May 1 to help agencies identify companies they can no longer do business with. It says discrimination should be defined broadly, regardless of any narrowed federal rules.
It also says agencies will be barred from contracting with “entities that have institutional policies or practices that fail to address the harassment and discrimination of individuals on the basis of their gender identity, transgender status, gender dysphoria or any of the other protected (classes).”
Cuomo also ordered that after June 1, all state contracts include an anti-discrimination agreement.
The governor also announced he’d pursue legislation to ban the “gay panic” defense from being used in New York courts.
The defense, though rare, has been used by defendants accused of assault or murder who say they panicked after a gay or transgender person made sexual advances.
California and Illinois have banned the use of the defense.