New Jersey is Now Safe Haven for Trans Healthcare

New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order on April 4 which secures a person’s right to gender-affirming care. The order directs all state agencies to protect those who are either receiving or providing gender-affirming care from persecution. The order also reinforces anti-discrimination protections for trans people, including those incarcerated.

Under the new law, New Jersey state departments are forbidden from complying with investigations and subpoenas from other states that seek to prosecute those who travel to New Jersey to obtain gender-affirming care. This order makes New Jersey the third state to establish refuge protections for trans people.

“As leaders, our greatest responsibility is ensuring that every person we represent, regardless of their gender identity or gender expression, is entitled to respect, fairness, and freedom,” Governor Phil Muphy said in a press release. “We will continue to uphold these principles in New Jersey and support every person’s right to live freely and authentically by making our state a safe haven for those seeking or providing gender-affirming health care.”

The order comes after a slew of anti-trans legislation has passed at state levels throughout the country. A bill proposed to the current session of the New Jersey Assembly by Senator Edward Durr seeks to prohibit those under 18 years old from receiving gender-affirming care. Next door, both the Pennsylvania House and Senate voted to ban transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports; however, former PA governor Tom Wolf vetoed the legislation.

New Jersey-based trans youth activist Rebekah Bruesehoff said in the press release that the order gives her hope.

“I have always been grateful to live in New Jersey, but I am especially proud now to see my state take action that will protect and support not only me but my friends in states across the country,” Bruesehoff says. “Transgender kids and teens like me just want to live our lives and be ourselves.”