New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed two trans-inclusive bills last week, which would develop guidelines for transgender students and prevent medical providers from discriminating based on gender identity.
Due to travel arrangements, Christie was not immediately available for comment.
SB 3067 “requires the Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for school districts regarding transgender students.” The guidelines will provide methods to address the needs of transgender students while ensuring a nondiscriminatory environment in schools. The commissioner would be required to provide guidance and information on aspects such as confidentiality, proper pronoun usage, school records, restroom and locker room use, the formation of LGBT-affirming programs and clubs and other transgender-specific guidelines.
Additionally, the bill directs the commissioner to update the guidelines as needed and to provide programs and training for school officials on LGBT issues.
“This is a huge victory for equality in New Jersey, and we want to send a big thank you to Gov. Christie for standing on the right side of history on this one,” said Garden State Equality Executive Director Christian Fuscarino in a statement. “As he did with the conversion-therapy ban, Gov. Christie took a stand for LGBT youth in New Jersey by signing this important legislation, and he deserves our thanks.”
The second measure, A4568, “prohibits health insurers, [State Health Benefit Program], [School Employees’ Health Benefits Program], certain health-care providers and Medicaid from discriminating in providing coverage and services based on gender identity.” It would prevent health-insurance companies from charging higher premiums, referring to trans identities as a “pre-existing condition” and from covering transition-related care.
In a separate statement, Fuscarino thanked Christie and said the bill signing was a “tremendous victory.” However, he noted one shortcoming.
“Unfortunately, this will not affect the self-funded marketplace,” Fuscarino said. “So there is still work to be done.”