BILL NUMBER:S5873                REVISED 6/26/13

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the executive law, in relation to
unlawful discriminatory practices

Purpose:  This bill would enact part of the New York Women's Agenda,
which would break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and
inequality based on gender. New York State has a proud history and
tradition of leading the nation in progressive ideals and reforms.
This is especially so with respect to women's rights. In 1848, the
women's suffrage movement was born at the first Women's Rights
Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. From that moment in time and
continuing through today, the state has been the home of female
leaders and visionaries, from Elizabeth Cady Stanton who initiated the
first organized women's rights and women's suffrage movements, to
Audre Lorde, a leading African-American poet and essayist who gave
voice to women's issues, and Gloria Steinem, the journalist, author
and activist. These New Yorkers have served as role models for not
only their generation but for every generation to come.

Over the years, New York has fallen behind in its role as a
progressive leader on women's rights Today, statistics clearly show
that women in New York State are not treated equally to men.

The New York Women's Agenda will break down barriers that perpetuate
discrimination and inequality based on gender. New York has served as
              

a model for equality and fairness on several issues including women's
rights. The New York Women's Agenda will return the State to its
rightful place as a leader on women's equality.

Summary of Bills:

2) Sexual Harassment

This bill would amend Exec L § 292 to apply the existing provisions of
the Human Rights Law to employers with fewer than four employees in
cases of sexual harassment

Existing: Law:  This bill would impact existing protections that are
available under the Executive Law.

* Stopping Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces

Sexual harassment disproportionately affects women in the workplace.
In 2011, women filed 75% of all sexual harassment complaints filed at
the New York State Division of Human Rights and 83% of all sexual
harassment complaints filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission. However, those persons working for employers with fewer
than 4 employees cannot file a complaint with the State, because small
employers are currently exempt from the provisions of State law that
prohibit harassment-and more than 60% of the state's private employers
have fewer than 4 employees. This bill would amend the law to protect
workers from sexual harassment regardless of the size of the
workplace. Under the amended law, an employee of any business; large
or small, may file a complaint for sexual harassment.


Budget Implications:  This bill has no budget implications for the
State

Effective Date:  This bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.