LIEB BLOG

Legal Analysts

Friday, August 09, 2019

NYS Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Attire and Facial Hair

Today, August, 9, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed A4204 into law.

As a result, on October 8, 2019 new amended Executive law 296(10)(a) will prohibit religious discrimination in employment that concerns "the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion."

Attention Employers - Update your dress code now to include this express right. 

The only exception to the new protection is if an employer can demonstrate an "undue hardship" on their business resulting from such religious attire.