Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Weprin’s Office

“No New Yorker should have to choose between their profession and their religious beliefs,” Assemblyman Weprin said.

By Forum Staff
Elected officials, advocates, and community leaders on Tuesday gathered at the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill to celebrate the signing of the Religious Garb Bill which prohibits employment discrimination based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair.
The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, adds language to the Human Rights Law clarifying that the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of one’s religion is protected under law unless an employer demonstrates that it is unable to reasonably accommodate the person’s religious practice without undue hardship on the conduct of its business.
The measure was first introduced by Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill) in 2011 and has passed the Assembly each year since 2013. It was sponsored by State Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) in the Senate where the change in leadership earlier this year helped the bill to finally pass the chamber, Weprin added.
“The historic religious garb bill makes it clear that New Yorkers will not tolerate any discrimination against people of faith in the workplace,” the assemblyman said. “At a time when instances of bigotry and hate are increasing, it is our duty to stand up for each other’s rights and dignity. No New Yorker should have to choose between their profession and their religious beliefs.”
The bill was initially proposed in response to the case of Kevin Harrington, a Sikh subway operator for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who was initially ordered to remove his turban and wear an MTA uniform hat and then a turban affixed with an MTA logo.
The new law takes effect in 60 days on Oct. 9.