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Catholic Nuns Sue Over New York LGBTQ Care Law
Lawsuit alleges state's long-term care facility rights bill violates religious freedom.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:18pm
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A fractured, abstract painting captures the complex clash between religious freedom and LGBTQ rights in healthcare.NYC TodayA group of Catholic nuns has filed a lawsuit against the state of New York, claiming that the state's new LGBTQ Long-Term Care Facility Residents' Bill of Rights infringes on their religious freedom. The law prohibits care facilities from refusing a transgender resident's request to be assigned a room or use a restroom that aligns with their gender identity.
Why it matters
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between LGBTQ rights and religious freedom, as faith-based organizations seek exemptions from laws they believe violate their beliefs. The outcome could set an important precedent for how states balance these competing interests.
The details
The lawsuit, filed on April 6, was brought by a group of Catholic nuns who operate long-term care facilities in New York. They argue that the new state law forces them to 'violate their religious beliefs' by requiring them to affirm and facilitate gender transitions, which they say goes against their faith.
- The LGBTQ Long-Term Care Facility Residents' Bill of Rights was signed into law in New York in March 2026.
- The Catholic nuns filed their lawsuit against the state on April 6, 2026.
The players
New York State Department of Health
The state agency responsible for enforcing the LGBTQ Long-Term Care Facility Residents' Bill of Rights, which it says it is 'committed to following.'
Catholic Nuns
A group of Catholic nuns who operate long-term care facilities in New York and have filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming the new LGBTQ rights law violates their religious freedom.
What they’re saying
“We are committed to following state law, including provisions barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
— New York State Department of Health
What’s next
The lawsuit is expected to make its way through the courts, with a judge likely to rule on the nuns' request for an injunction against the law in the coming months.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing clash between LGBTQ rights and religious freedom, as faith-based organizations seek exemptions from laws they believe violate their beliefs. The outcome could set an important precedent for how states balance these competing interests going forward.
