Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Senate has taken a step towards updating state civil rights law by passing legislation aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on height or weight.
Sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker and Senator Angela McKnight, the bill seeks to add height and weight to the list of protected characteristics under New Jersey’s civil rights laws. These laws currently offer protection against discrimination for reasons including race, creed, color, sexual orientation, and more. Senator Zwicker highlighted the widespread issue of bias against individuals due to their physical appearance, emphasizing that the legislation would extend protections to a considerable segment of the state’s population.
Senator Angela McKnight underscored the negative impact of physical appearance-based discrimination on people’s opportunities. The bill, inspired by similar civil rights legislation in Michigan, aims to foster a more inclusive society by addressing this form of discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. It includes exceptions for certain occupational qualifications and safety reasons, ensuring a balanced approach to the new protections.