LeGaL is proud to finally celebrate the repeal of the portion of the New York Penal Law relating to loitering for for the purpose of engaging in prostitution — known as the ‘Walking While Trans’ ban — which has been misused by law enforcement to arrest and harass transgender New Yorkers, women of color and LGBTQ youth.
Repeal of the discriminatory law is an important step to ensure that vulnerable members our our community do not have to live in constant fear of intimidation or arrest simply for walking down the street or existing in public.
The Walking While Trans ban was a racist, unjust, and dangerous law. Unfortunately, its demise was far from swift. The long and hard fight for its repeal was achieved, in very large part, because of the brave activism and advocacy of transgender women of color and groups like Make the Road New York and the Walking While Trans coalition.
We applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo for his leadership, as well as bill sponsors Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Amy Paulin.
With the help of our attorney members and supporters, LeGaL will continue to advocate for equality and justice for LGBTQ New Yorkers.
