By Renee R., Legislative Intern 

Too often these days you find people complaining and talking about the government, the work that they are doing (or not doing) and what they, themselves, would do differently.  And let’s be honest, we can all place ourselves in at least one of those categories.

Having grown up in a family who paid pretty close attention to politics and what was going on in the world, I would have guessed I was “in the know” about current events and what our government was up to; but I was very wrong.

After becoming involved with New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF) and starting the internship with them, I gained awareness about so many issues that had never made the headlines or the evening news.  Part of what goes on in our state government could be considered “behind the door” information, and to know about it, you really need to get involved in it.

In early June 2010, I had the opportunity to travel to Albany and spend a short period of time out there during the legislative session. While at the Capital, one of the bills that we were faced with, and were in opposition to, was the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), also referred to as the “Bathroom Bill.”  This bill would enable any man claiming to be a woman the right to access women’s restrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities. This was one bill that NYCF was not about to let slide by.

Knowing that this was one of the many pieces of legislation that some members of our New York State Legislature wanted to pass and put into effect, strongly encourages me to go out and fight for my constitutional rights, as well as yours.

When first going into the Senate Judiciary Committee session, I was not sure what all to expect, but once the committee members began to flow in it was easy to say that the opposition was not far behind. Not only was NYCF present at this session to oppose the “Bathroom Bill,” but newly formed special interest group, Queer Rising, also sat in session to show their support for the bill.

After a half hour of discussing some of the bill’s contents, the committee then put it to a vote.  Once the votes were in, Chairman John Sampson (D-Brooklyn) stated that the bill had passed 12-11. Moments after, Sen. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) spoke up and challenged the vote count.  The committee clerk then went through, tallied the vote again and found a voting error, which caused the outcome of the bill to change completely.  The “Bathroom Bill” was defeated Tuesday, June 8, 2010, by a vote of 12-11. The difference was one vote.

If you do not believe that you as an individual can make that much of a difference, think again.  Making a call or showing up and displaying your support or opposition to something like the “Bathroom Bill” is the voice that really makes a difference.  Your elected officials should want to hear what you have to say about issues like this and sometimes it only takes one vote to turn the tables.

TAKE ACTION:  In 2011 the Bathroom Bill is on the move again.  Don't let the vote be as close as it was last time. Click this link. It takes less than two minutes to send a message to your legislators. Be the voice they need to hear!