Westchester County Government Resources

 

 

LGBT Community Liaison

 

LGBT Advisory Board

 

Executive Order on Same-Sex Marriage

 

Domestic Partner Registry

 

Westchester County Human Rights Commission

  Westchester County Government offers a number of programs and services that support and protect its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. 

 


LGBT Community Liaison

Laura Newman is the County Executive’s Liaison to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community.  She serves as a "bridge" between the county government and the LGBT community and ensures that the County does the best job it can of serving the needs of the community.

If you need assistance or have something to discuss, feel free to contact Laura at (914) 995-5742 or Lan5@westchestergov.com

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LGBT Citizens' Advisory Board

 

In March 2002, a new Westchester County citizens' advisory board was established to advise the County Executive on issues important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.    Recommendations from the board may be in the areas of legislation, services, programs, funding or anything else the advisors deem appropriate.

 

Members of the board include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and supportive straight people with a broad range of experiences.  They are a diverse group of people who are businesspeople, non-profit managers, entrepreneurs, parents, educators, and students. 

 

The LGBT Advisory Board regularly meets on the 1st Monday of each month from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Michaelian Office Building.  The meetings are open to the public.  

For further information, contact Laura Newman at (914) 995- 5742.

 

September 2003 - Report on the Status of LGBT People in Westchester County (pdf)

 

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Executive Order on Same-Sex Marriage

On June 7, 2006 County Executive Andy Spano signed an Executive Order stating that same sex marriages lawfully entered into outside of  New York State will be recognized by the county government in the same manner as opposite sex marriages.  Read full press release.

View Executive Order (pdf)

 

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Domestic Partner Registry

Westchester County offers a Domestic Partner Registry for unmarried couples who would like to have their relationship documented and recognized.  All of the information about registering is available on the "Legal Division" section of the County Clerk's website or by calling (914) 995-3070.  Couples can register in the Legal Division of the County Clerk's Office located at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 330.  Office hours are 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m.,  Monday through Friday. Appointments are not necessary.

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Human Rights Commission

Westchester's Human Rights Law established a Human Rights Commission to accept complaints of discrimination.  If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation, you should talk with the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.  The staff members are very well-informed about gay issues and will help you understand what you can do about discrimination you have experienced.  All inquiries will be completely confidential.

Contact Info:

Westchester County Human Rights Commission

222 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 205

White Plains, NY 10605

Phone:    (914) 995-7710

Fax:         (914) 995-7720

www.westchestergov.com/humanrightscommission

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