(Kingston, NY) – Last night the Ulster County Legislature unanimously adopted Proposed Local Law No. 5 of 2023, which will add diverse forms of gender expression to the Ulster County Human Rights Law, becoming among the first counties in the country to increase such protections for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“By passing this Proposed Local Law, we are announcing to the country that Ulster County is a welcoming place for everyone to live, and express themselves, as they truly are without fear of discrimination. I am grateful to those who gave public comment, sent emails, letters, and postcards, and called their Legislator in favor of this Law,” said Vice Chair Peter Criswell (District 7 – City of Kingston), the author of the Legislation.  

“Hearing from so many of our neighbors how this law is a necessary step forward is an inspiring call to action. I thank Vice Chair Criswell for his advocacy and am proud of this body for recognizing the importance of protecting trans and gender nonconforming county residents,” said Chair Tracey Bartels (District 16 – Gardiner & Shawangunk). 

Following its passage by the Legislature, the County Executive will hold their own public hearing on the subject before signing into law. Full text of the Local Law can be found here. 

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