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Visitors to New York City are Protected from Discrimination
The New York City Human Rights Law protects everyone – including visitors and tourists, regardless of how long you are here. You too have the right to enjoy the City free from hate, bias, and discrimination.
Who is protected?
Everyone in New York City is protected under the law, including visitors and tourists from anywhere in the world.
You do not need to be a New York City resident or U.S. citizen to be protected from discrimination in NYC.
What are your protections?
The New York City Human Rights Law is one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the country, protecting you from being treated unfairly in over 25 different categories. These protections make sure that you are treated with dignity in businesses and public spaces while in New York City.
Some key protections include your right to be free from discrimination based on:
- Disability
- Immigration or Citizenship Status
- Gender Identity
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual Orientation
Where do protections apply?
The law protects you in many places you might use or visit, including:
- Hotels, hostels, school campuses, and short-term rentals
- Restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues
- Businesses, bodegas, and service providers
- Museums, theaters, and stadiums
- Taxis and public transportation
- Public streets, parks, and beaches
What is an example of discrimination?
Discrimination may look like:
- A hotel guest using a service animal is told that pets aren’t allowed inside.
- A traveler is told they cannot join a sightseeing tour because they use a mobility device and “the device takes up space”.
- Someone trying to buy tickets to a museum is told they can’t because they don’t have a US passport.
- Security guards at a nightclub deny entry to a transgender woman, claiming her appearance doesn’t match the 'M' on her ID.
- A taxi driver makes offensive comments to a person because of their religious attire and refuses to pick them up.
- A manager at a restaurant tells Black patrons to pay for their order ahead of time but does not ask any other patrons to do so.
How can the Commission help?
The Commission enforces the NYC Human Rights Law by investigating and prosecuting cases of hate, bias, and discrimination.
Complaints must be filed within one year of the last alleged act of discrimination, and the incident must have occurred in or have a strong connection to New York City.
Anyone can leave a tip. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination:
- Call 212-416-0197 to schedule an appointment with our intake office; or
- File a complaint using our online form.
We provide interpretation services when needed and will never ask about your immigration status.
Your rights are protected in New York City and we’re here to help.
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Everyone in New York City, including visitors and tourists, have the right to enjoy the City free from hate, bias, and discrimination - no matter how long you are here. Learn more at www.NYC.gov/VisitingNYC.