Quijano Condemns Trump Administration Rollback of Transgender Civil Rights Protections

Remains Hopeful of Precedent Set by Supreme Court Ruling on LGBT Rights

          (TRENTON) ­­– Responding to a rule finalized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, that reverses course on transgender civil rights protections that prevent sex discrimination in healthcare contexts, Assembly Majority Conference Leader Annette Quijano (D-Union) issued the following statement:

“The rule makes way for care providers and insurance companies receiving federal funds to refuse the provision and coverage of care for transgender people. This decision is an egregious affront, one that creates room for dangerous vulnerability.

“In New Jersey we’ve worked hard to secure more accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for everyone. Knowing that transgender Americans will once again face the question of whether they’ll receive the care they need is devastating. It deals a crushing blow to the hard-won protections secured under President Obama.

“This week’s landmark Supreme Court ruling does however make me hopeful. Affirming gender identity and sexual orientation as protected characteristics in the workplace, it sets a precedent that may invalidate the unjust rule put forth by the Trump administration.

“To protect thousands of lives we need action.”