Albany, N.Y. (AP) -- New York's governor says transgender people should be protected from discrimination and says that if elected to a second term he'll push to include gender identity and expression in the state's civil rights law.

In a letter to the Empire State Pride Agenda, Cuomo notes that transgender people face significant discrimination and that the state should outlaw discrimination against them when it comes to things like housing, employment and public accommodations.

The state already prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, disability and gender.

Legislation that would add gender identity and expression to the list has passed the state Assembly but not the Senate.

Empire State Pride Agenda, an organization that advocates for gay and transgender rights, announced Cuomo's support Thursday. It also says it's endorsing Cuomo's re-election.