Prohibits discrimination against religious attire

1 Co-sponsor

• Leroy Comrie

BILL NUMBER:S3263

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to prohibiting discrimination against religious attire

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would clarify that the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion is protected under the Human Rights Law.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill would clarify that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to require a person to violate or forego the wearing attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion unless the employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate the person's religious practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business.

Section two is the effective date.

Justification

This bill is intended to protect the religious rights of all New Yorkers. An example of the need for this bill is a case in New York City where a member of the Sikh religion who worked for the MTA was ordered to remove his turban and wear the MTA hat. When he objected, on religious ground, the MTA responded that he may wear the turban if he affixes an MTA badge to the front. This was unacceptable as wearing a turban is a solemn religious duty for Sikhs and affixing a badge to it would not be religiously proper. This bill would ensure that persons like the gentleman described above will no longer be discriminated at their places of work because of their religious duties.

Prior legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

none

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.