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A02049 Summary:

BILL NOA02049A
 
SAME ASSAME AS S06867
 
SPONSORWeprin
 
COSPNSRCahill, Paulin, Schimel, Sepulveda, Ramos, Miller, Quart, Aubry
 
MLTSPNSRAbbate, Braunstein, Brennan, Colton, Cook, Davila, Hikind, Hooper, Lavine, Lupinacci, Mosley, Ortiz, Perry, Rivera, Saladino, Solages, Weinstein
 
Amd §296, Exec L
 
Prohibits discrimination against religious attire and appurtenances thereto, including facial hair.
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A02049 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A2049A
 
SPONSOR: Weprin (MS)
  TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the executive law, in relation to prohibiting discrimi- nation 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 discrimina- tory 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 prac- tice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business. Section two sets an effective date after sixty days.   JUSTIFICATION: This bill is intended to protect the religious rights of all New York- ers. 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 grounds, 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, no longer be discriminated against at their places of work because of their expression of religious duties.   PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: Similar legislation 2015-16: S.3263 (Sanders) - referred to Investigations and Government Operations / A.2409 (Weprin) - Passed Assembly. 2013-14: S.5828 (Sanders) - referred to Investigations and Government Operations / A.864-A (Weprin) - Passed Assembly   FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None   EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become law.
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