NEW JERSEY COMMISSION
ON CIVIL RIGHTS
GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION BILL S-362/A-930
RESOLUTION NO.
11-2006-3
(November 9, 2006)
WHEREAS, by an Act of the Legislature
of the State of New Jersey the New Jersey Commission on Civil Rights was
created; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Civil Rights is charged under the law with consulting
with and advising the Attorney General with respect to the work of the Division
on Civil Rights, surveying and studying the operations of the Division, and
reporting to the Governor and the Legislature with respect to such matters
relating to the work of the Division and at such times as it may deem in the
public interest; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature is considering legislation (S-362 and A-930) which
seeks to amend the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination by codifying as an
additional protected category "gender identity or expression"; and
WHEREAS, this amendment will protect people in New Jersey based on gender
identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations and certain
credit transactions; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature seeks to further declare its opposition to such
practices of discrimination when directed against any person by reason of gender
identity or expression, are matters of concern to the government of the State,
and that such discrimination threatens not only the rights and proper privileges
of the inhabitants of the State but menaces the institutions and foundation of a
free democratic State; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature further declares its opposition to such practices of
discrimination when directed against any person by reason of gender identity or
expression, of that person or that person's spouse, partners, members,
stockholders, directors, officers, managers, superintendents, agents, employees,
business associates, suppliers, or customers, in order that the economic
prosperity and general welfare of the inhabitants of the State may be protected
and ensured; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature in New Jersey works tirelessly to protect all of New
Jersey's citizens from discrimination, that would cause citizens to suffer
personal hardships, and the State to suffer a grievous harm. The New Jersey
Commission on Civil Rights;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this date, November 9, 2006 by the New Jersey
Commission on Civil Rights that the Members of the Commission hereby support
passage of S-362 and A-930 and urge enactment of such legislation as soon as
possible so that the civil rights of more New Jerseyans are protected; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Division shall ensure that a
copy of this Resolution is transmitted to the Legislative leadership, Attorney
General, and the Governor.
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