New York City Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual and Reproductive Health Decisions
03/07/19
Author: ADP Admin/Monday, March 4, 2019/Categories: State Compliance Update, New York
New York City Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual and Reproductive Health Decisions
Overview: The list of protected classes under the New York City Human Rights Law has expanded to include “sexual and other reproductive health decisions”.
Effective Date: May 20, 2019
Details:
Lactation Room Requirements
The New York City (NYC) Council added “sexual and other reproductive health decisions” to the list of protected classes under the NYC Human Rights Law. At the Council’s November 19, 2018 hearing on the proposed legislation, Council members stated that the bill is intended to “protect women and men from ever fearing whether their personal health and reproductive choices will risk their jobs.” The new law prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their family planning or reproductive health decisions.
“Sexual and reproductive health decisions” means any decision by an individual to receive services, which are arranged for or offered or provided to individuals relating to sexual and reproductive health, including the reproductive system and its functions. Such services include, but are not limited to, fertility-related medical procedures, sexually transmitted disease prevention, testing, and treatment, and family planning services and counseling, such as birth control drugs and supplies, emergency contraception, sterilization procedures, pregnancy testing, and abortion.
All employers in NYC with four or more employees must comply with the NYC Human Rights Law regardless of whether their employees are full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary, paid or unpaid interns.
Action Required: Employers in NYC should plan to revise their policies to incorporate “sexual and other reproductive health decisions” to the list of categories protected from discrimination.
Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.
*Produced in partnership with Littler Mendelson P.C.
This content provides practical information concerning the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that ADP is not rendering legal advice.
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