Assembly Vote Protects Women’s Ability to Work Free from Discrimination

The New York State Assembly today passed a pair of bills to protect New York women from workplace discrimination, legislation initially introduced as part of the Women’s Equality Act and championed by the New York Civil Liberties Union. The vote clears the way for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign the legislation into law.

“Today’s action is a welcome step toward equality for all of New York’s 10 million mothers, daughters and wives,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “We applaud our legislators for prioritizing women’s rights and working to break down the barriers that perpetuate discrimination.”

Legislation passed includes:

• A.4272, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodation to pregnant workers, and
• A.5360, extending the prohibition against sexual harassment in the workplace to workplaces with fewer than four employees.

“Today’s vote by our assemblymembers marks an important moment for women and families across New York State,” said NYCLU Assistant Legislative Director Corinne Carey. “We have fought long and hard to extend these necessary protections so that our state law reflects the strength and complexity of women’s lives today. New York can and should be a leader for women’s rights again and we commend the Assembly for standing up for women so they can more fully and equally participate in society.”

The Assembly vote follows the Senate passage of the same Women’s Equality Act measures earlier this year, and will move the bills to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

The Assembly also passed A.6183, another Women’s Equality Act bill that will outlaw discrimination based on familial status to protect parents in the workplace. The bill does not have a matching version yet in the Senate.