IMPORTANT LAW UPDATE FOR ALL EMPLOYERS IN NEW YORK STATE
● On August 9, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed legislation amending the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) regarding discrimination based on religious attire, clothing or facial hair.
The previous law prohibited:
Making employment opportunities (i.e. promotions, advancement, transfers), contingent upon an employee altering their religious practices.
● The amended law now includes the following as protected religious practices:
The wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the employee’s religion.
● The law does carve out an exception if the employer demonstrates that the employee’s religious practices impose “undue hardships” on the employer’s business and operations.
● Additionally, employers are prohibited from treating employees or potential employees differently because of that person’s religious beliefs.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other labor and employment law matter, please contact an attorney at Franklin, Gringer & Cohen, P.C. at 516-228-3131.