NYC Human Rights Law Amended to Prohibit Discrimination Based on Height and Weight

On May 26, 2023, NYC Mayor Adams signed into law a City Council bill amending the NYC Human Rights Law to add perceived height and weight to the city's long list of classes protected from discrimination. Among other things, the law makes it illegal to discriminate against an apartment buyer, renter, job applicant, independent contractor, or current employee based on the person's perceived weight and height. The city's Human Rights Law already bars discrimination against individuals based on gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, national origin, and race. Certain exemptions to the ban against height and weight discrimination may be permitted under the new law in connection with employment issues. 

The new local law in NYC takes effect 180 days after signed into law.  New York State has separate, similar pending legislation. 

NYC. Int. No. 209-A, a local law to amend the administrative code of the city of NY, in relation to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person's height or weight in employment, housing, and public accommodations [10-pg. doc.]