Relates to unlawful discriminatory practices

13 Co-sponsors

• Betty Little
• Martin J. Golden
• Tony Avella
• David Carlucci
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Terry Gipson
• Mark Grisanti
• Jeffrey D. Klein
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Jack M. Martins
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Diane J. Savino

BILL NUMBER:S5873 REVISED 6/26/13

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to unlawful discriminatory practices

Purpose: This bill would enact part of the New York Women's Agenda, which would break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality based on gender. New York State has a proud history and tradition of leading the nation in progressive ideals and reforms. This is especially so with respect to women's rights. In 1848, the women's suffrage movement was born at the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. From that moment in time and continuing through today, the state has been the home of female leaders and visionaries, from Elizabeth Cady Stanton who initiated the first organized women's rights and women's suffrage movements, to Audre Lorde, a leading African-American poet and essayist who gave voice to women's issues, and Gloria Steinem, the journalist, author and activist. These New Yorkers have served as role models for not only their generation but for every generation to come.

Over the years, New York has fallen behind in its role as a progressive leader on women's rights Today, statistics clearly show that women in New York State are not treated equally to men.

The New York Women's Agenda will break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality based on gender. New York has served as a model for equality and fairness on several issues including women's rights. The New York Women's Agenda will return the State to its rightful place as a leader on women's equality.

Summary of Bills:

2) Sexual Harassment

This bill would amend Exec L § 292 to apply the existing provisions of the Human Rights Law to employers with fewer than four employees in cases of sexual harassment

Existing: Law: This bill would impact existing protections that are available under the Executive Law.

* Stopping Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces

Sexual harassment disproportionately affects women in the workplace. In 2011, women filed 75% of all sexual harassment complaints filed at the New York State Division of Human Rights and 83% of all sexual harassment complaints filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, those persons working for employers with fewer than 4 employees cannot file a complaint with the State, because small employers are currently exempt from the provisions of State law that prohibit harassment-and more than 60% of the state's private employers have fewer than 4 employees. This bill would amend the law to protect workers from sexual harassment regardless of the size of the workplace. Under the amended law, an employee of any business; large or small, may file a complaint for sexual harassment.

Budget Implications: This bill has no budget implications for the State

Effective Date: This bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.