Assembly bill would end workplace discrimination based on religious attire
January 21, 2014
By TIFFANY BROOKS
A bill prohibiting discrimination against religious attire at work has passed through the Assembly.
Prompted by recent cases of discrimination involving religious New Yorkers, Assemblyman David Weprin, D–Fresh Meadows, proposed a bill (A.864-a) that allows workers to dress according to their religious customs while at work. The bill passed the Assembly by a 112-1 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. James Sanders, D-Queens, has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee.
"Through the passing of the Religious Garb bill in the New York state Assembly, we celebrate our state's long standing commitment to promoting religious freedom and equality for all people," Weprin said. "People should not have to make a choice between working to provide for their families or observing their religion."
The bill was inspired by two recent cases of religious discrimination in the workplace, according to the sponsors. Fishel Litzman, a Hasidic Jew from Rockland County, was a month away from getting his NYPD shield but was booted when he refused to trim his beard down to the required 1 millimeter length, a federal court ruled in favor of Litzman on Nov. 15, 2013. Kevin Harrington a practicing Sikh and MTA train operator for 20 years, was asked to remove his turban or lose his job. The case was settled in court in favor of Harrington.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-01-21-86474.113122-Assembly-bill-would-end-workplace-discrimination-based-on-religious-attire.html
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