The New York City Council is set to vote Thursday on a pair of bills meant to strengthen protections for transgender patients in local hospitals.
The legislation would set new guidelines for how trans patients are treated and require hospitals to report on the training their staff receives.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who introduced the measures, said they were originally proposed years ago but stalled until now.
“If there was ever a time for it, it’s pretty acute why now is the time to make sure folks are protected,” he said.
The bills are part of a broader effort by local lawmakers to safeguard LGBTQ+ rights in response to federal rollbacks under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, the Council passed legislation to protect access to gender-affirming care and negotiated new funding for health care, housing and employment programs.
The legislative action comes as councilmembers and LGBTQ+ advocates plan to rally Thursday at City Hall to celebrate what they’re calling a historic win: $13.7 million in funding for services for queer and trans New Yorkers included in this year’s city budget.
One of the bills being voted on would require hospitals to post signs outlining patients’ rights, including the right to be addressed by their correct name, pronouns and gender identity. It would also have the city's health department encourage hospitals to list their services available to trans patients, including gender-affirming care.
The other bill would require the department to publish annual reports on how hospitals train staff to care for trans and gender-nonconforming patients. The information would cover common medical needs as well as social and medical transitions.
Williams said he worked with LGBTQ+ advocates on the legislation after hearing repeated accounts of trans patients not receiving adequate care.
William Fowler, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, said in a statement that his office "appreciate[s] the intent of these bills and support[s] efforts to provide New Yorkers with greater information on this important topic." The statement didn't indicate whether Adams plans to sign either measure into law.
In Albany, the state Legislature has passed similar bills now awaiting signatures from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The Council’s health committee is scheduled to vote on the two bills at 10 a.m. Thursday, ahead of a vote by the full Council in the afternoon.
This story has been updated with additional information.
