NEW YORK (WETM)- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.04037 /A.4204) which prohibits employment discrimination based on religious attire, clothing or facial hair.
The new law amends the New York State Human Rights Law to make clear that employers cannot refuse to hire, attain, promote, or take other discriminatory action against an individual for wearing attire or facial hair in accordance with tenets of their religion.
“As New Yorkers we celebrate our diversity and we champion freedom of religious expression in all places, including the workplace,” Governor Cuomo said. “This law will protect people from discriminatory employment practices based on religious attire or facial hair and makes it crystal clear to anyone who may still have doubts that New York has zero tolerance for bigotry of any kind.”
The legislation makes clear the protections of the New York State Human Rights Law, which also prohibits employers from treating applicants or employees differently because of that person’s religious beliefs, and it requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious practices.
The new law reaffirms the Governor’s longstanding commitment to religious inclusion and equality.
