City Laws
New York City Human Rights Law
The New York City Human Rights Law (City Human Rights Law) prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on age, alienage or citizenship status, color, disability, gender (including sexual harassment), gender identity, marital or partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, and status as a veteran or active military service member.
In addition, the City Human Rights Law affords additional protections against discrimination in employment based on arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, credit history, unemployment status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses. In housing, the City Human Rights Law protects against discrimination based on lawful occupation, lawful source of income, the presence of children, and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses. The City Human Rights Law also prohibits retaliation for opposing an unlawful discriminatory practice, filing a charge or complaint of discrimination with an employer or any agency, or testifying, assisting, or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing related to unlawful discrimination.
The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is the municipal entity charged with enforcing the City Human Rights Law. Its Law Enforcement Bureau is responsible for receiving, investigating, and prosecuting individual complaints alleging violations of the City Human Rights Law. The CCHR may also initiate its own investigations of prejudice or patterns of discrimination against a person or group of persons.
If you believe that you have experienced unlawful discrimination in violation of the City Human Rights Law, you have the right to file a claim with the CCHR. The City Human Rights Law permits a complaint to be filed with the CCHR within one (1) year of the occurrence of the discriminatory action (or three (3) years for gender-based harassment).
New York City Commission on Human Rights
22 Reade Street
New York, NY 10007
718-722-3131