New York passes law protecting gays, lesbians - News - Brief Article

A new state law went into effect in New York Jan. 17 that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA) provides gay men and lesbians with legal protection from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit. State laws currently grant protections based on race, sex, creed, color, national origin, disability, age and/or marital status.

"Today's vote is an important victory for tolerance, and reflects my conviction that New Yorkers are one people who must stand together in reaffirming that everyone is entitled to the protections of the law against invidious forms of discrimination," said New York Gov. George E. Pataki (R) after the state Senate passed the legislation Dec. 17. "By outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, credit, education and the provision of public services, we renew New York State's historic role as a beacon of freedom, hope and opportunity for all."

"HR professionals in New York should revisit their EEO/AA policies to ensure they include this additional category," said Lorraine V. Mixon-Page, SPHR, chair of the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) Workplace Diversity Committee. "New York appears to be following the lead of many states that have chosen to go beyond the federal levels of protection by embracing categories." New York becomes the 13th state to enact non-discrimination legislation based on sexual orientation.

Currently no federal laws ban discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

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