New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed a bill into law that prohibits discrimination based on height and weight in various aspects of life.
The law, which covers employment, housing, and public accommodations, aims to ensure equal treatment for individuals regardless of their physical attributes.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of treating all individuals equally and stated that a person’s height or weight should not affect their job prospects, daily experiences, or housing opportunities.
The new law includes an exemption for cases where a person’s height or weight would prevent them from fulfilling the essential requirements of a particular job. It is set to take effect in 180 days, on November 22.
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New York City joins six other cities, including San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as well as the state of Michigan, in implementing similar bans on height and weight discrimination.
Studies have shown that weight discrimination disproportionately affects women, particularly women of color. For example, a study conducted by Vanderbilt University revealed that overweight women face a wage penalty of $5.25 per hour.
Advocates of the new law believe that it will not only level the playing field for New Yorkers but also serve as an inspiration for other cities and countries worldwide.
Tigress Osborn, the chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, expressed optimism about the law’s potential global impact and its ability to challenge discriminatory attitudes.
Supporters of the legislation argue that body discrimination can have wide-ranging negative effects, including limiting access to medical treatment and contributing to mental health challenges. The signing of this bill represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and accepting society in New York City.
