Obesity and height have the same anti-discrimination protections in New York as religious belief, physical or mental disability, and service in a law enforcement agency. This policy was approved by Mayor Eric Adams, author of a book on how to prevent diabetes with a plant-based diet, with the passage Friday of a bill amending the city's administrative code.
Whatever your size, you should feel comfortable and accepted when seeking employment, finding housing or accessing public accommodations.
Today, New York City made discrimination based on weight and height illegal.
No matter your size, you should feel comfortable and accepted when seeking employment, finding housing, or accessing public accommodations.
Today, New York City made discrimination based on weight and height illegal.https://t.co/gkVamr593f pic.twitter.com/iwOc0RCf5w
— City of New York (@nycgov) May 26, 2023
As explained in a previously article from Voz Media, the regulation considers both "real" and "perceived" body measurements. It does, however, establish two exceptions: discrimination may occur when height and weight are "an occupational qualification reasonably necessary for the operation of the business" and if they "qualify as public health and safety considerations".
