Politics & Government

Assembly Passes Religious Garb Bill

Proposed legislation would prohibit discrimination in the workplace against religious attire.

By Nathan Duke

The state Assembly has passed a bill proposed by Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Little Neck, that prohibits discrimination in the workplace against attire worn for religious purposes.

Weprin proposed the legislation following several cases in which borough residents were discriminated in the workplace due to their religious garb or facial grooming.

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“Through the unanimous passing of the religious garb bill in the 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.”

Weprin said the bill would protect workers who want to wear hijabs, beards, turbans or other religious garments while on the job.

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Weprin was joined Wednesday by Rabbi Israel Rubin, regional director of Chabad of the Capital District, and Gurdev Singh Kang, president of the Sikh Cultural Society, to announce the passage of the bill.

Rubin said the legislation would protect the rights of many Orthodox Jews, while Kang said the bill reflects the state’s diverse population.

“New York State prides itself in being a place that embraces diversity in which all people are treated equally under the law regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity,” Kang said.

Tell us: What do you think about the proposed legislation?


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