That’s right, the New York State Legislature just passed a final budget that includes the Child-Parent Security Act! This means that, with Governor Cuomo’s signature, gestational surrogacy will become legal in New York, along with the deepest set of protections in any state for surrogates!
Earlier this month Governor Cuomo appointed our Board President, Kristen Browde, to the “Love Makes A Family Council” — a coalition of community leaders who fought to legalize surrogacy in New York. Thanks to the tireless work, and deeply personal advocacy of our members and supporters, we succeeded in securing fairness and security for LGBTQ families.
We will have many champions to thank, including Governor Cuomo, along with bill sponsors Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Amy Paulin. We couldn’t have gotten this legislation over the finishline without Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Attorney General Letitia James, and so many others. And to the list of key people who fought alongside us for this huge step ahead we have to mention Melissa DeRosa, current Secretary to the Governor, who was steadfast in budget negotiations and made sure this top priority item would make it through the legislative process.
But most importantly we want to thank our LeGaL members and friends. For 42 years, LeGaL has been committed to promoting equality and justice for LGBTQ people. LeGaL’s legislative committee and membership work tirelessly to push for policy changes that will expand protections for our community. The Child-Parent Security Act was a top priority for 2020. When Governor Cuomo signs this into law, we’ll celelbrate the fact that together, we got this done!
We will never stop fighting for LGBTQ Families. Just last week we announced that LeGaL’s legal team will be asking New York’s highest court to review our case on behalf of non-biological, non-adoptive parents. Please renew your dues and donate to the LeGaL Foundation to support this critical work.
In Community,
Eric Lesh and Kristen Browde
