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The New York City Human Rights Law is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. The Law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, disability, and marital status. In addition, the Law affords protection against discrimination in employment based on arrest or conviction record and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sex offenses. In housing, the Law affords additional protection based on lawful occupation and family status. The NYC Human Rights Law also prohibits retaliation and bias-related harassment.

The NYC Human Rights Law was amended in December 2003 to add two new protected classes in employment: victims of sex offenses and victims of stalking. The new amendment also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to the employee victims of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking. The Law requires that an employer must demonstrate that a victim's requested accommodation is unduly burdensome.