TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, particularly protections for the transgender community, as he warned of potential federal rollbacks under the Trump administration.
Murphy praised New Jersey’s progress in advancing LGBTQ+ protections, citing policies related to healthcare, legal name changes on birth certificates, and broader anti-discrimination measures. “I’m proud that we’ve got the first trans cabinet member in the history of the state, Alison Chris Myers, who does a great job running our whole civil service,” Murphy said.
He noted that the transgender community remains especially vulnerable, facing heightened risks of suicide, substance abuse, and barriers to healthcare. “Of all the communities under that umbrella, the trans community feels like the one that’s most frequently in the crosshairs,” Murphy said.
While emphasizing state-level protections, Murphy acknowledged that certain issues—such as federal policies on gender identity in the military—are beyond his control. He pledged to use “the bully pulpit” and legal avenues to counter potential federal restrictions.
Murphy vowed to continue New Jersey’s efforts to protect transgender rights amid shifting federal policies.