On October 21, 2015, Governor Cuomo signed off on multiple pieces of legislation, collectively called The Women’s Equality Act. The legislation is intended to provide the women of New York with greater equality as well as protection from discrimination against women.
Women across the world have been fighting for decades to achieve equal pay. While the gap may be shrinking, there is still a disparity between male and female earners. Women have also been bearing the brunt of workplace discrimination and harassment and existing laws simply don’t provide all of the protection they need. As stated by the National Organization for Women New York City President Sonia Ossorio, “these anti-discrimination bills address key challenges that span a woman’s working life. We are leveling the playing field for women at work and improving the lives of families at home.”
According to the NY Women’s Equality Coalition:
The legislation in the Women’s Equality Act aims to address every one of the inequalities set forth above. The laws both strengthen and clarify existing state laws. Some provisions even create brand new protections for women in the workplace. Some of the protections include:
Equal Pay:
Sexual Harassment:
Attorney’s Fees:
Family Status Discrimination:
Pregnancy Discrimination:
The passage of this act indicates that there is still room for improvement in the fight for gender equality. Not only does the legislation provide needed protection for women in the workplace but it also includes provisions for greater protection for women who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Parts of the act protect women from housing discrimination, provide funding for sexual assault prevention programs and strengthen human trafficking laws. State Senator Catherine Young perhaps said it best: “The Women’s Equality Agenda that was signed today will establish sweeping protections for New York’s women, and marks a historic step forward in the fight for equality.”
If you have any questions or think your workplace rights are being violated, our New York discrimination attorneys may be able to offer assistance. Leeds Brown has years of experience compassionately and zealously fighting for the rights of employees in New York City and across Long Island. Contact our office, share your story, and let us help determine whether or not someone owes you compensation.
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