New York to ban anti-gay therapy, gender identity discrimination

Lawmakers in New York state have voted to ban gay conversion therapy and add gender identity and expression to the state's anti-discrimination laws.

The measures passed the Senate and Assembly on Tuesday.

Both had been priorities for Democrats but had died in the Senate until this year, when Democrats took over the chamber following election gains last November.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign both bills.

The ban on conversion therapy would prohibit licensed therapists from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation. Fourteen states have already passed similar laws.

The anti-bias bill would make it illegal to deny someone a job, housing, public accommodations or education based on gender expression or identity.